Amsterdam weaves new opportunities for textiles recyclers

Amsterdam is calling on recyclers and entrepreneurs to back TextielHUB, a hotspot for circular textiles.

The Dutch capital wants to bring together as many stakeholders as possible under one roof to have a major impact on the textile market. Ultimately, it aims to create a place where they can join forces and learn from each other.

All are welcome

‘Everyone is welcome to join,’ says Dieuwertje de Wagenaar, policy adviser for circular textiles at the municipality of Amsterdam. ‘It doesn’t matter whether an initiator works at the front or back of the textile chain, at the highest or lowest rung of the recycling ladder; as an entrepreneur or in education and culture; as a creative, consultant or IT specialist; as a corporate or one-man business, working on yarn or curtains, clothing or furniture.’

‘A unique opportunity’

Almost all of Amsterdam’s discarded clothing ends up in residual waste, resulting in incineration. Only a small part is reused or recycled. This is highly polluting and unsustainable.
De Wagenaar notes it is ‘increasingly urgent’ for companies to act in the light of stricter regulations including extended producer responsibility schemes.

‘Strengthening the textile network is a priority for Amsterdam because of the enormous impact of textiles on the city,’ she adds. Her team believes the TextielHub, occupying a 4.655m² site, will offer ‘a unique opportunity’ to support leaders in the textile industry while promoting mutual cooperation.

>>Interested parties can register for a viewing of the site on Tuesday 8 April via the website www.textielhub.amsterdam.