EU Textile Strategy 2030. Challenges for Ukrainian textile manufacturers 


Ukraine faces a challenging task of implementing Circular Economy in the textile industry, which requires active involvement from businesses, the government, and society. According to a report by Andrii Ilchenko, the authorized representative of Ukrlegprom in the Working Group EURATEX and the General Director of K.TEX LLC, Ukrainian companies and the public must actively contribute to the development of Circular Economy in the textile sector.

During the #UKRLEGPROM TALKS, Andrii Ilchenko shared that K.TEX LLC has been operating in the textile industry for over 20 years and is considered a leading manufacturer of non-woven materials. Over this period of development, the company has successfully implemented five production technologies, enabling them to achieve high-quality products and attain a prominent position in the market. An interesting aspect of the history of non-woven materials is their origin from waste management. This is precisely where K.TEX’s journey began. Gradually, with the emergence of new technologies and modern fibers, they expanded their product range and transitioned to producing high-quality non-woven materials using cutting-edge techniques.

1. Impact of the Textile Industry on the Environment

The textile industry significantly impacts the environment due to the large amount of waste generated. According to the European Union, EU countries produce 7-7.5 million tons of textile waste annually, and this amount may increase to 9 million tons by 2030. However, only 30% of the waste is collected, and a mere 10% is recycled, necessitating further measures for waste management and recycling.

2. EU Strategy to Address Environmental Challenges in the Textile Industry

The European Union has defined a strategy to address environmental challenges in the textile industry. Projects for waste collection and recycling are already being implemented. Support through subsidies for ateliers that repair clothing and other initiatives facilitate the gradual transition to Circular Economy. The EU plans to allocate over 5 billion euros to tackle environmental issues in the textile industry by 2030. Ukraine is already collaborating with EURATEX to find solutions concerning textile waste.

3. Risks and their Impact on Ukrainian Companies

Failure to comply with legislative norms regarding the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile waste may lead to restricted access to the European market. Additionally, the absence of control over fabric quality may result in hazardous substances being present in products. Currently, textile waste is not the country’s primary priority, as Ukrainian society is focused on addressing other pressing issues, such as demining territories and reducing emissions from large industrial enterprises. Therefore, Ukrainian textile companies must independently address the issue of textile waste.

4. How to Prepare for Exporting to EU Countries

Ukrainian companies wishing to export to EU countries should focus on eco-design and adhere to Circular Economy principles, which will help ensure access to the European market. Eco-design principles according to the EU Textile Strategy 2030 include simplifying fabric composition and designing clothing suitable for recycling.

5. K.TEX Offerings

K.TEX LLC plans to provide textile waste recycling services to Ukrainian manufacturers of clothing and household textiles. Investments in modern infrastructure will enable efficient processing of textile materials. The company’s primary goal is to solve the issue of textile waste and promote the transition from disposal to efficient recycling. K.TEX aims to collaborate with companies that understand the importance of preserving the quality of their waste materials and are willing to invest in their recycling to create useful products.

Andrii Ilchenko called on Ukrainian companies to be active participants in the process and unite around the Ukrainian Association of Light Industry Enterprises “Ukrlegprom,” joining the EURATEX working groups on Circular Economy implementation in Ukraine’s textile industry. This will not only help address the issue of textile waste but also ensure access for Ukrainian companies to the European market, fostering sustainability and responsibility in textile production for the benefit of all – companies, consumers, and the environment.

*Since June 2022, the Association “Ukrlegprom” has been an associate member of the European Confederation of Textile and Apparel EURATEX and is represented in 5 working groups and committees that shape European policy in the fashion industry sector.