The EIT KICs Position Paper for a Circular and Sustainable Fashion and Textiles Industry in Europe

By 2030, the involved Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) aim for a sustainable, circular, and innovative textiles ecosystem. The agenda recognises that the sector is not only a significant driver of environmental pressures, but is itself confronted by escalating economic, skills, employment, and supply chain challenges. As overconsumption, global competition, and regulatory demands mount, innovation emerges as a central lever to safeguard economic competitiveness, develop a highly skilled workforce, and strengthen the resilience of supply chains in the European textile industry. This position paper was developed through collaboration between EIT Culture & Creativity, EIT Manufacturing, and EIT Climate-KIC, with Climate KIC having transitioned to an independent foundation in 2025 after more than 15 years of receiving funding and strategic guidance as an EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community. Significant expert contributions were also provided by representatives from Federazione Tessile Moda - Sistema Moda Italia and EURATEX (Ing. Mauro Sampellegrini), Institut für Textiltechnik RWTH Aachen University (Dr.-Ing. Jan Vincent Jordan), University of the Arts London (UAL) Innovation Lab (Prof. Kate Goldsworthy and Nadja Ohranovic), the European Fashion Alliance and German Fashion Council (Scott Lipinski), and SUPSI (Silvia Zancarli).

Along the Priority Areas of Transformation, Innovation and Research, Education and Skills, Networks and Accessibility, Mobilisation, and Financial Instruments, the following key actions were suggested:

Advancing digitalisation and the adoption of advanced technologies—including automation, robotics, and digital tools—to increase resource efficiency, foster new business models, and boost collaboration and creativity across the textiles value chain

Standardising environmental impact data, scaling up circular fibre and recycling technologies, and developing user-centred Digital Product Passports to ensure compliance and promote sustainability throughout the sector

Supporting continuous professional development, interdisciplinary training, upskilling, and female entrepreneurship to build a highly skilled, inclusive workforce able to lead sectoral transitions

Establishing a Europe-wide network of fashion and textile hubs to enhance collaboration between SMEs, innovators, technologists, and investors, amplifying the impact of existing EU initiatives and strengthening knowledge exchange
Implementing participatory campaigns and creative partnerships designed to shift consumer behaviour and raise awareness about sustainability and inclusivity in fashion and textiles

Introducing innovative funding mechanisms tailored to SME innovation and R&D, promoting digital traceability, and supporting the scaling of circular solutions to the market

Collaborative Impact
Co-created with sector experts, the agenda offers a blueprint for European leadership in sustainable fashion and textiles, enabling skill, investment, and creative synergies to drive circular growth into the future.

• Publisher
• https://www.climate-kic.org/
• https://www.eitmanufacturing.eu/