The European Union generated approximately 2.3 million tonnes of textile waste in 2024, with household disposal accounting for more than half of the total, according to the latest data released by Eurostat. During the same year, around 1.4 million tonnes of textile waste were treated, representing 63% of the total waste generated.

Italy recorded the highest volume of textile waste generation at 441,736 tonnes, followed by France with 339,965 tonnes and Germany with 212,107 tonnes. Italy also led in textile waste treatment, processing and recycling 280,680 tonnes. France treated 258,129 tonnes, while Germany treated 207,156 tonnes.

Recycling Accounts for the Largest Share of Textile Waste Treatment

The Eurostat report highlights that recovery operations accounted for 91% of textile waste treatment across the EU in 2024. Recycling represented 78% of all treated textile waste, while incineration with energy recovery accounted for 13%.

Meanwhile, 8% of treated textile waste was sent to landfills, and incineration without energy recovery represented just 1%.

Italy and France recorded the highest textile recycling shares at 98% each, followed by Lithuania at 87% and Slovenia at 83%. In contrast, Latvia reported no textile recycling, while Estonia recorded 5% and Romania 23% (based on 2022 data).

Growing Focus on Textile Circularity and Sustainability

The figures highlight the growing importance of effective textile waste management, recycling infrastructure and circular economy practices across the European textile and apparel industry.

With sustainability becoming a major priority for the global textile value chain, increasing textile collection, improving recycling technologies and promoting the reuse of textile materials will be essential to reducing waste and conserving resources.

The findings also underline the opportunities for textile recyclers, fibre manufacturers and technology providers to strengthen circular production systems and support the EU's sustainability ambitions.