Sustainability consultancy Eunomia has partnered with the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) on a major new research project aimed at supporting the case for sustainable textile regulation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The study focuses on aligning the country’s textiles sector with the European Union’s Scope 3 emission targets. It aims to explore how New Zealand’s recent free trade agreement with the EU, which came into force in May 2024, could drive policy developments in line with the Paris Agreement and EU regulations such as the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
The project includes a social cost-benefit analysis of a regulated versus non-regulated approach to the textiles sector, assessing economic and environmental outcomes. New Zealand currently sends around 220,000 tonnes of textiles to landfill each year, and the research suggests that implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme could reduce this significantly, while also generating investment in recycling infrastructure and creating green jobs.
Duncan Wilson, director of Eunomia NZ, commented: “This is a chance to drive meaningful policy change in the textiles sector and ensure that New Zealand is prepared for global trade shifts and environmental obligations.”
TAG spokesperson Meredith Dawson Lawry added: “New Zealand’s textiles sector stands at a pivotal moment. By proactively exploring the benefits and challenges of aligning with leading international sustainability standards, we have an opportunity to future-proof the industry, open doors to new markets, and reduce our environmental impact.”
The study will evaluate regulatory impacts on domestic competition, infrastructure readiness for repair and recycling, and the potential to attract local and international investment. It builds on prior research identifying systemic issues in New Zealand’s textiles market and aims to provide clear, evidence-based guidance for policymakers looking to transition to a circular economy model.