The world is on a “take-make-waste,” linear-growth economic trajectory where
products are bought, used, and then discarded in direct progression with little
to no consideration for recycling or reuse. This unsustainable path now requires
an urgent call to action for all sectors in the global society: circularity is a
must to restore the health of the planet and people. However, carbon-rich
textile waste could potentially become a next-generation feedstock, and the
mobility sector has the capacity to mobilize ecologically minded designs, supply
chains, financing mechanisms, consumer education, cross-sector activation, and
more to capitalize on this “new source of carbon.” Activating textile
circularity will be one of the biggest business opportunities to drive top- and
bottom-line growth for the mobility industry.
Textile Circularity and the Sustainability Model of New Mobility
provides context and insights on why textiles—a term that not only includes
plant-based and animal-based fibers, but plastics as well—are contributing to
overflowing landfills, polluted waterways, compromised access to clean water,
loss of biodiversity and deforestation, and more. Additionally, it gives an
overview of the current state of textile circularity, notable policy and
regulatory trends, and how to leverage capabilities of the mobility sector,
especially in decarbonization.