Dutch council targets textile circularity with collaborative platform launch

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Nov 28, 2018

The Dutch municipality of Zaanstad has reached an agreement with Wieland Textiles, Brightloops Loop.a Life and the Salvation Army ReShare to launch the Dutch Center for Circular Textiles (DCCT).

DCCT connects companies from the entire textile chain based in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The platform aims to make the textile industry more sustainable and tackle the increasing waste from the textile industry.

As a result of the collaboration between the parties, the platform is able to connect several important steps in the textile chain, including: collection of textiles; sorting; and the process of making of high-quality textile from raw materials such as fibers and yarns. The municipality of Zaanstad is supporting the project with knowledge, staff and its administrative network.

Sanna Munnikendam, the council's officer for sustainability and circular economy, said: “This cooperation is an important first step for a completely circular textile chain in the region. It is logical that this platform is located in the Zaanstreek: the location of Zaanstad in the metropolitan region creates a large stream of discarded textiles and there are numerous companies in the region, including fashion and interior, which can process the new raw materials and can join the DCCT. As a municipality we are committed to sustainability and we see the opportunities offered by the circular economy to prepare the economic structure of the city for the future. Additionally, it will ensure more local employment.”

In order to make the textile chain completely circular, DCCT is currently working on a business case, which will be published in early 2019. The case will provide insight into what the platform needs to close the loop of the chain, such as mechanical fiber-weaving installations or knitting machines. In addition, the case will include conditions for the realization of a development and production environment in collaboration with market parties and educational institutions to stimulate innovation.