Clothing waste

28.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001869-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marc Tarabella (S&D)

In Europe, 4 million tonnes of clothes are thrown away and destroyed every year when instead they could be recycled. As such, we should note that around 120 million Europeans are at risk of poverty or social exclusion and that the textiles and clothing industry is the second highest polluting industry in the world.

Clothing waste is therefore a major societal issue, on an environmental, economic and social level.

Whereas these clothing donations are currently vital for millions of destitute Europeans, ready-to-wear companies are still liable to pay VAT for these donations, making it more beneficial financially to destroy unsold or faulty items instead of giving them away. Overproduction in the textiles industry and the lack of initiatives regarding collecting and recycling clothes are also to blame.

1. Does the Commission agree that we should develop a clear and global strategy to combat clothing waste?

2. Will the Commission establish initiatives to encourage the collection and recycling of clothes?

3. Is the Commission in favour of eliminating taxes on clothes donations, as it advocated for food donations in 2011?