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Sustainability & Recycling

European Commission Launches €10 Million To Boost Textile Circularity

• By  Textile Excellence
• May 31, 2026

The European Commission has launched a €10 million funding call under Horizon Europe to accelerate textile reuse, repair and circular economy solutions across cities and regions. The initiative, part of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), aims to reduce textile waste, promote sustainable consumption and support the transition to more circular textile systems.

Projects selected under the programme can receive around €5 million each and are expected to focus on areas such as textile collection and sorting, repair infrastructure, second-hand markets, digital traceability and AI-enabled sorting technologies. The funding also supports innovative circular business models, consumer engagement initiatives and scalable solutions that can be replicated across multiple European regions.

A strong emphasis has been placed on extending product lifecycles through repair and reuse, while digital tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and Digital Product Passports are expected to play a key role in improving efficiency and transparency.

The programme encourages collaboration among local authorities, textile companies, technology providers, research institutions, social enterprises and NGOs. Projects will be assessed on their innovation, environmental impact, scalability, citizen engagement and economic viability.

With textile waste and overconsumption under increasing scrutiny in Europe, the funding call signals growing support for practical, large-scale solutions that can strengthen circularity while creating new green jobs and business opportunities.

The deadline for applications is 17 September 2026.

The programme encourages collaboration among local authorities, textile companies, technology providers, research institutions, social enterprises and NGOs. Projects will be assessed on their innovation, environmental impact, scalability, citizen engagement and economic viability. With textile waste and overconsumption under increasing scrutiny in Europe, the funding call signals growing support for practical, large-scale solutions that can strengthen circularity while creating new green jobs and business opportunities. The deadline for applications is 17 September 2026.