The Nordic countries are leading in innovation as part of Europe’s transition to sustainable textiles. Building on its global reputation for functional, timeless design, the region is now focusing its efforts on environmental responsibility in the fashion and textile industry
With Europeans consuming an average of 26 kilograms of textiles per year and discarding around half of them, there is a need for coordinated action. That’s where Nordic cooperation, backed by the EU’s Cohesion Policy, is making a real difference.
The TRÅD project
At the heart of this transition is the TRÅD project, a cross-border initiative co-financed by Interreg Sweden–Norway. Bringing together municipalities, research institutes, recycling firms, and manufacturers, TRÅD is developing practical, scalable models for a circular textile economy.
The project focuses on improving textile collection, sorting, and reuse, which are key steps in reducing waste and extending the lifespan of garments. One of its core strategies involves strengthening extended producer responsibility, which ensures that manufacturers play a role in the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal.
Pilot schemes launched by TRÅD have already led to more efficient sorting systems and tighter collaboration between local authorities and businesses. Knowledge-sharing activities are also helping communities and companies adopt more sustainable practices.
The bigger Nordic effort
TRÅD isn’t working on its own. It’s part of a broader Nordic commitment to circular textiles, closely linked with THREADS (under Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic) and SorTEX (under Interreg Öresund–Kattegat–Skagerrak). These sister projects began in 2024 and each tackles a different phase of the textile lifecycle, from initial collection systems to advanced recycling technologies.
By connecting local experiences across borders, these projects ensure that innovation is not only shared but multiplied. The collaborative approach helps transform regional pilots into scalable models that can inform the broader EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.
This past June, key stakeholders from across the Nordic textile projects gathered in Trondheim, Norway. The meeting helped align efforts across the region and identify common challenges, including overproduction, inefficient use of textiles, and unclear responsibilities along the value chain.
Rather than stopping at problem identification, the meeting led to the development of concrete plans for the future. Joint conferences, cross-border initiatives, and shared tools for monitoring and evaluation are all on the table, strengthening cooperation well beyond national borders.
Regional actions with European impact
The work being done in the Nordics demonstrates how well-coordinated regional initiatives, when supported by EU policies, can play a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s green transition.
By focusing on practical solutions and long-term collaboration, the TRÅD, THREADS, and SorTEX projects are creating a blueprint for other regions to follow. Their efforts are already reducing waste, cutting resource use, and laying the groundwork for a circular textile economy that benefits citizens, businesses, and the environment.
