Textile waste:
why burning
is not the answer
In recent years, the incineration of textile waste has often been presented as a “sustainable” option because it can generate energy.
But behind the label of “energy recovery” lies a process that, in reality, recovers nothing: not materials, not value, not future potential.
What is textile disposal through
Incineration consists of burning textile waste in waste-to-energy facilities that produce heat or electricity.
While this may appear useful, the principle behind it is simple: turning matter into energy by destroying it.
When it comes to textiles, this means permanently losing fibres, resources, and materials that could otherwise be recovered through a true circular process.
The environmental impact of textile incineration
Polluting emissions:
Burning synthetic fibres can release CO₂, dioxins, heavy metals and other hazardous substances (European Environment Agency)
Secondary waste:
Incineration produces slag and toxic ash that must be collected and disposed of under strict regulations.
Waste of resources:
Every fibre that is burned is a lost resource — often non-renewable and potentially recoverable through circular technologies.
According to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI): 87% of discarded textiles end up in landfills or are burned only 10% remain within the secondary market
The numbers behind the problem:
textile waste in Europe
Between 2010 and 2022:
Landfilling of textile waste decreased from 21% to 12%
Incineration increased from 10% to 14%
Incineration increased from 10% to 14%
(Source: European Environment Agency, ISPRA)
A large portion of textiles sent to incineration comes from mixed or heavily treated materials that were never designed to be recovered — and are therefore almost automatically destined for combustion.
Why incineration is not
part of a circular economy
Incineration closes the cycle — it does not reopen it.
It is a linear model disguised as sustainability.
A true circular process designs materials to be recovered, not destroyed. This requires:
- conscious selection of raw materials,
- the absence of non-separable finishes,
- supply chains compatible with regeneration.
This is exactly the principle behind Infibrity’s circular technology:
a method that allows fibres to be recovered at their original length and reintroduced multiple times into the production chain, without degradation — and without needing to be burned for energy.
Conclusions: designing for recovery, not disposal
Incineration is not a sustainable strategy.
It is a shortcut that ignores the value and potential of materials.
A genuine transition begins with designing textiles for recovery — not for destruction.
Sources & references
- European Environment Agency – Textile waste statistics: eea.europa.eu
- CBI – The European market potential for recycled fashion: cbi.eu
- ISPRA – Reports on the state of the environment in Italy: isprambiente.gov.it
- ScienceDirect – The 9R Framework for Circular Economy: Scientific article