Sustainability and Circularity in the Textile Value Chain - A Global Roadmap Textile Value Chain - Executive Summary

This document presents a global roadmap for transforming the textile value chain towards sustainability and circularity, addressing its significant contributions to climate change, nature loss, pollution, and social issues such as exploitation, underpayment, health risks, and gender inequality, with women comprising a large share of the workforce. Developed through research and consultations with over 140 stakeholders, it identifies three interconnected priorities—shifting consumption patterns, improving practices, and investing in infrastructure—supported by nine building blocks that target key environmental and socio-economic “hotspots.” The roadmap references existing quantified industry goals, including net-zero emissions, 100% renewable energy, 45% recycled polyester, 100% sustainable cotton, doubling clothing utility, and full diversion of textile waste from landfill. It assigns specific actions for brands, policymakers, manufacturers, financial institutions, innovators, consumer engagement actors, and NGOs, emphasizing that implementation will require unprecedented collaboration, regulation, and investment, with UNEP’s Textile Flagship Initiative.