Circular Threads

What is Circular Threads?

Circular Threads is a study aiming to observe the level of sustainability and circularity in Italy, and to propose a more practical and purposeful project starting from the Biella textile district to apply circular economy principles to the textile industry, increasing the rate of recovery, recycling and reuse in the industry, and disseminating information about it.

Circular Threads 2.0

The Circular Threads 2.0 report is in continuity with the 2021 study, which made it possible to assess the level of circularity and sustainability of the textile sector in Northern Italy. To update and deepen the previous results, the project focuses on the textile and fashion industry, focusing on the district of Biella, Lombardy and, in addition to the last study, that of Prato.

Through a more pragmatic approach, the paper examines the current context of the sector, analysing environmental and social impacts, the role of European regulations and the value of the Italian textile industry, known for its high-quality production. It then explores strategic levers for change, such as ecodesign, circular business models, recycling technologies and the cultural change needed to make the sector more sustainable.

An extensive section is dedicated to the analysis methodology, combining comparative data, questionnaires, social network analysis and circularity assessment tools. Finally, the report proposes concrete solutions to address the critical issues identified, presenting case studies and experimental initiatives that can accelerate the adoption of more circular and innovative practices.

Find out more about Circular Threads!

Circular Threads 1.0

The study aimed to take an overview of the current situation and accelerate the transition to the circular economy in the textile sector. This happens by identifying best practices implemented and the main challenges faced by companies.  

It was developed on 3 levels of analysis: 

• Desk Search: a series of sustainable and circular actions for the textile industry were identified. We checked which of these were implemented in a sample of 300 companies in Northern Italy.
• Questionnaire: a sample of nearly 70 companies involved in the research completed a questionnaire. It was designed to assess the level of circular and sustainable practices in a number of key areas. 
• Circularity assessment: a detailed analysis based on the material flows of 3 companies was developed to calculate a product-level circularity index adopting the Ellen McArthur Foundation metodology.