The recently published CEN/TS 18272-1 ‘Textiles – Circular economy for textile products – Part 1: General principles and guidance’ provides a common European framework for applying circular economy principles to textile products and the textile value chain. It brings together key principles, terminology and guidance, helping stakeholders develop a shared understanding of circularity in the textile sector.
This Technical Specification covers topics such as the relationship between textiles and the circular economy, circular strategies, technical and biological cycles, terminology, and the role of material choices throughout the life cycle of textile products. It is the foundation of a broader European standardization program on circular textiles, with additional Technical Specifications currently under development within CEN/TC 248/WG 39.
The significance of the new Technical Specification
Rather than introducing new requirements, this Technical Specification provides a common reference point for organizations across the European textile value chain. It brings together principles, terminology and guidance in a single document, supporting a more consistent understanding and application of circular economy concepts for textiles.
As the first document in a broader European standardization program within CEN/TC 248/WG 39, it provides the common foundation for the remaining Technical Specifications currently under development. Together, these documents address topics including circular design, non-virgin input materials, collection, handling, sorting and storing of textiles, and minimum durability requirements.
Why it matters
The transition to a circular textile economy requires a shared understanding of what circularity means in practice. By providing common principles and terminology, CEN/TS 18272-1 supports collaboration across the textile value chain and facilitates the development of consistent approaches to circular textiles.
As the first Technical Specification in a broader European standardization program, it provides the foundation for a coherent series of standards supporting the transition towards a more circular textile sector. It also supports ongoing European policy developments, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The benefits for industry and society
For industry, CEN/TS 18272-1 provides a common framework that facilitates communication and collaboration throughout the textile value chain. By promoting a shared understanding of circular economy principles, it supports more efficient cooperation between stakeholders, contributes to a level playing field and facilitates trade across the European market.
For society, it lays the foundation for a coherent European framework for circular textiles. The future Technical Specifications building on this document will support the development of textile products and systems with greater attention to durability, reuse and recycling.
While CEN/TS 18272-1 itself is a guidance document, this first Technical Specification provides the common foundation for future documents on durability and circular design, which will ultimately help consumers access textile products that last longer and are easier to repair, reuse and recycle.
By establishing a shared foundation for circularity in textiles, CEN/TS 18272-1 marks an important step towards a more coherent and sustainable European textile value chain. As further Technical Specifications are developed, this common framework will help industry, policymakers and other stakeholders work towards textile products and systems that are designed to last longer, use resources more efficiently, and support Europe’s wider circular economy ambitions.
Astrid Tomme
atomme@cencenelec.eu
