Global economy loses one-third of value to linear waste

Share
Share

A new circularity report warns that business model’s such as fast fashion’s with its take‑make‑waste model is destroying trillions in embedded material and labour value each year 

Circularity Gap Report 2026 showing global linear economy value loss in textiles.
The report identifies premature obsolescence as a primary mechanism of loss, accounting for €6.5 trillion globally.

YORK – A new report has claimed €25.4 trillion in avoidable economic value is lost annually due to linear take-make-waste practices such as those which routinely occur in the global textile sector.

For the textile and apparel sectors, the report’s findings on processing losses (€904.2 billion) and end-of-life waste (€10.0 trillion) are particularly pointed.

Newsletter

Read our top news stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Share

Recommended

Latest Magazine

Features
Why China’s new wastewater standard is only one part of a broader shift spanning environmental law
As Brussels switches on its product passport registry, fashion’s supply chain data gaps threaten a bumpy rollout
As green claims face closer regulatory scrutiny liability no longer sits solely with the brands
News
Preview of our Textile Standards & Legislation Guide
China’s strengthened rules make officials personally accountable for serious environmental damage
New process to strip reactive dyes from cotton could benefit textile-to-textile recycling
Opinion
European factory closures show costs, geography and demand decide which materials survive

Other publications from MCL News & Media

Scroll to Top
Logo

Our free newsletter showcases the very best of our journalism, delivered to you twice a week

Advertising
With Us

Help to support the purpose-led work of our team of journalists, international correspondents, and partners – and expose your product or service to our global readership.

Subscribe to our magazine today and receive exclusive online content

Subscribe