The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released groundbreaking policy guidelines aimed at transforming the textile recycling industry. These guidelines, approved in November 2025, offer a comprehensive roadmap for governments, employers, and workers to create a more equitable and sustainable recycling ecosystem. The timing couldn't be more crucial for the textile sector. As the industry embraces the circular economy, driven by extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in the European Union and states like California, the demand for recycling post-consumer textiles is skyrocketing. This surge in recycling activities is expected to significantly boost the workforce, but it also exposes a critical issue: the persistent lack of decent work opportunities, especially in informal recycling operations where workers often face inadequate protections and conditions. The ILO's guidelines provide a practical framework to address these challenges. They outline specific steps to enhance working conditions, strengthen social safety nets, and facilitate a just transition for workers throughout the recycling supply chain. By implementing these measures, the textile recycling industry can not only meet the growing demand for sustainable practices but also ensure that workers receive fair treatment and enjoy the benefits of a thriving, responsible industry.
