We all spend a lot of time talking about fashion waste, but what about waste from the interiors industry?

Textile waste often lurks behind the allure of interior design. 🌿🛋 We are inundated with choice of fabrics in every colour, material and design as we choose new seasonal looks to update our homes.

Unbelievably, approximately 900,000 tonnes of textiles waste end up in landfill or is incinerated annually – with homeware textiles accounting for 42% (Source: https://wrap.org.uk/resources/market-situation-reports/textiles-2019). While fashion often gets the attention when it comes to textiles sustainability the impact of interiors can’t be forgotten about.

🛑 THE PROBLEM:  From outdated furnishings to manufacturing surplus, the choices we make around our homes impact the planet more than we realise.

💔 THE DILEMMA: Changing design trends and overstocked inventories contribute to a cycle of disposal with landfill becoming the final destination.

🌍 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The environmental consequences are profound. From the energy-intensive production of textiles to the pollutants released during decomposition, the toll on our planet is substantial and often overlooked.

💡 WHAT TO DO: It's time to face the reality of textile waste in interiors. It’s inspiring to see brands like Haines who are exploring ways to collaborate with brands to extend the life of fabrics, de Le Cuona who have started a sample recycle scheme to start cutting down their textile waste and promote a circular economy, and Camira who re-purpose their own waste yarn, yarn and fabric using state-of-the-art machinery allowing it to be woven into new fabrics.

🚨 WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE: Awareness is the first step followed by action. Do you know other examples of designers / brands who are looking at how they can reduce textiles waste?

#textilewaste
#Interiordesign
#circulardesign