naBE Conference 2024: SALESIANER in dialogue on circular textiles
The naBE Conference 2024 focused on the transformation towards a circular economy. Led by Gerhard Weiner, the event provided a platform for discussions on climate-neutral and sustainable strategies, with a particular emphasis on the textile sector. Andreas Tschulik (BMK) introduced Austria’s Circular Economy Strategy, highlighting initiatives such as the Circular Textile Economy program, the Mattress Alliance, and the Circular Economy Helpdesk.
Key measures included promoting regional, eco-friendly materials and circular business models, alongside awareness campaigns addressing “fast fashion” and sustainable consumption. As a significant player in the textile sector, SALESIANER contributed valuable insights to the dialogue. Mathias Nell, Head of Sustainability, outlined the challenges and opportunities of circularity: “With 600 tons of laundry processed daily and textile purchases in 2023 amounting to approximately 3,000 tons, we are part of a large cycle. Even though we strive to use textiles for as long as possible, they eventually reach the end of their lifecycle. Scalable technologies are needed in Europe to repurpose these textiles as raw materials within a closed-loop system.”
Only through such closed-loop systems can the ecological challenges of the textile industry, such as greenhouse gas emissions and high resource consumption, be effectively addressed. By focusing on innovation, sustainable technologies, and strong partnerships, SALESIANER actively shapes the future of the textile industry. This involves not only prolonging textile life but also reintegrating them as valuable raw materials into the production cycle.
As a pioneer in the field, SALESIANER underscores its commitment to developing long-term solutions and working with partners and society to pave the way for a sustainable future.
