How borrowing instead of buying can help Europe tackle its textile waste crisis
By Remy van Donk – 2 minute read
The tuxedo you only wear once
A few months ago, a friend of mine had a wedding to attend but didn’t own a tuxedo. Instead of rushing to buy one, he asked around in our neighborhood and borrowed one from a friend. The suit fit perfectly, and after a quick dry clean, it was ready to be returned. No waste, no unnecessary spending, and no tuxedo collecting dust in his closet.
This small act of borrowing reflects a bigger shift we need to make—rethinking ownership, especially when it comes to fashion. Do we really need to buy something we’ll only wear once?
Europe’s textile waste problem
Every year, the European Union generates approximately 6.95 million tonnes of textile waste, equating to about 16 kilograms per person. Alarmingly, only 12% of this waste is properly recycled or reused, with the majority ending up in landfills or being incinerated.
To combat this escalating issue, the EU has introduced new regulations requiring textile producers to take responsibility for the collection and recycling of clothing, ensuring that even online retailers outside the EU comply.
How borrowing and pre-loved fashion can reduce waste
We don’t need to own everything we wear. Borrowing, renting, and choosing pre-loved clothing can significantly cut textile waste. Here’s how:
- Borrowing for special occasions. Formalwear is often worn only a few times. Instead of purchasing new, borrowing from friends or neighbors saves money and reduces waste.
- Choosing pre-loved fashion. Platforms like The Volte allow individuals to rent out their wardrobes, extending the life cycle of garments and promoting sustainable fashion choices.
- Hosting clothing swaps. Organizing events where community members exchange clothing items gives garments a second life and refreshes wardrobes without additional consumption.
- Repairing instead of replacing. Simple fixes, like sewing a missing button or patching a tear, can extend the life of an item by years.
Small shifts, big impact
Imagine if every person in Europe borrowed, rented, or bought pre-loved instead of purchasing new just once a year. This collective action could keep millions of garments out of landfills and reduce the demand for new clothing production.
The good news? The second-hand fashion market is growing rapidly and is expected to double in size by 2030.
More people are turning to borrowing, renting, and swapping instead of buying. It’s time to rethink how we consume fashion—starting with that next big event.
Sources
Innovation Origins
Europe’s looming textile waste challenge: urgent action needed
Financial Times
EU cracks down on fast fashion and food waste
The Guardian
Like Airbnb but for clothes: how to make money by renting out your wardrobe