The "Buy-Make-Use-Discard" Mentality in the Textile Sector Must Change

Sözal Kimya Chairman of the Board Eren Sözal made important statements regarding sustainability. Sözal emphasized that the take-make-use-dispose mentality needs to change. As of 2025, the European Union is requiring separate collection of textile waste and banning its disposal in landfills. Meanwhile, the world is moving towards conscious action on environmentally friendly materials, recyclable products, and reuse of waste components. The Turkish textile sector is expected to be affected by this approach. Sözal Kimya Chairman of the Board Eren Sözal commented on this matter.

Sözal Kimya Chairman of the Board Eren Sözal Makes Statement

As of 2025, the European Union will require separate collection of textile waste and ban its incineration and disposal in landfills. The EU prioritizes textiles within its circular economy action plan. It also encourages sustainable raw materials, reuse of clothing and recycling. The Turkish textile sector is expected to be affected by these steps. According to the published Global Fashion Agenda report, 92 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually goes to landfills or is incinerated. These waste materials cause serious damage to nature, biodiversity and the food chain. Sözal Kimya Chairman of the Board Eren Sözal commented on the issue. Sözal emphasized that fast fashion has led to low-quality products with limited lifespan, which generate more waste and increase environmental damage.

Waste and Water Footprints Can Be Reduced by 20 to 30 Percent

Sözal stated, "The waste charity WRAP has shown that extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its carbon, waste and water footprints by 20 to 30 percent. Based on this information, we need to approach the concept of sustainability holistically. When we talk about sustainability, we are actually referring to a three-stage process: reduce, reuse, recycle. Therefore, for this process to work correctly, consumption must be controlled first, secondhand use must be increased and used materials must be recycled. This actually requires the fashion sector to rethink its business models. In other words, this is a fundamental change we are pointing out."

Slow Fashion Should Be Adopted

Eren Sözal noted that the amount of clothing purchased per capita in Europe has increased by 40 percent in recent years and pointed out that the fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions. Sözal stated: "When producing a garment, it goes through quite demanding processes before reaching the consumer. The environmental dimension of these stages is as follows: spinning fibers, weaving and dyeing fabrics require large quantities of water and chemicals. The water, energy and chemicals used in washing cause a significantly large environmental footprint. European Union reports note that the average number of collections launched by ready-to-wear companies annually has increased considerably. These developments are directing consumers increasingly towards cheaper clothing that is 'almost disposable' and can only be discarded after wearing." Sözal, noting that this consumption pattern needs to change, said: "Primarily in Europe, but worldwide, new business development methods are being sought to address these problems. At this point, slow fashion should first be adopted. On the other hand, clothing rental models, convincing consumers to purchase quality clothing and generally directing consumer behavior towards more sustainable options should be among the primary long-term solutions."