Sustainability in Focus: Practical Strategies for Climate Protection, Circular Economy, and Water Consumption
ETSA is pleased to introduce three newly established mini working groups under the Sustainability Working Group, dedicated to tackling some of the most critical sustainability challenges in our industry: climate mitigation and energy, circular economy, and water consumption. These focused initiatives provide an opportunity for members to collaborate, share expertise, and drive meaningful progress on key sustainability issues affecting the textile services sector. We invite all ETSA members to participate and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.
Mathias Nell, Head of Sustainability, actively participated as a representative of the SALESIANER Group in the ETSA - European Textile Services Association Sustainability Working Group in Brussels. Two days of valuable discussions on key sustainability topics such as climate change, energy, water, and the circular economy have raised awareness that the shared future of the textile services industry can only be made more sustainable and future-proof through collaboration.
Focus Group 1: Climate Mitigation and Energy
This group is committed to developing practical decarbonization strategies by analyzing the textile value chain for one to three exemplary textile categories. The group will map value chains, identify high-emission hotspots, and develop reduction scenarios, ensuring that businesses have the tools to lower their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. By the end of 2025, the group will deliver a set of actionable climate mitigation strategies for the industry. This is an essential initiative for members looking to enhance energy efficiency and align with EU climate goals.
Focus Group 2: Circular Economy
With circularity playing an increasingly critical role in sustainability regulations, this group will work toward an industry-wide commitment to minimum recycled content in textile purchases. Members will explore barriers to circularity, identify viable recycled content commitments, and initiate pilot projects to integrate circular economy principles into everyday business practices. Companies seeking to stay ahead of upcoming EU sustainability directives and improve resource efficiency are encouraged to join this initiative and contribute to shaping the industry's approach to sustainable material use.
Focus Group 3: Water Consumption
This group will focus on benchmarking water consumption across industry segments and exploring sustainable water management strategies. With increasing scrutiny on water usage, wastewater treatment, and pollution control, this initiative will help define best practices and develop measurable reduction targets to support companies in achieving long-term sustainability in water usage. The group will also address regulatory concerns and provide input on how the textile services sector can proactively demonstrate leadership in water conservation.
Each of these groups will be working toward tangible outcomes in 2025, with quarterly check-ins during ETSA Sustainability Working Group meetings.
This is an open call for all ETSA members to join—whether you bring expertise, interest, or simply want to stay informed, your participation will be invaluable in shaping industry-wide best practices. If you or your organization are interested in joining one of these mini working groups, please reach out to ETSA for further details on how to get involved.
© Text content and photos: ETSA
