Nordic-Baltic Textile Circularity Forum 2026: Advancing Collaboration for a Circular Textile Future

The forum provided an important platform for sharing experiences, addressing common challenges, and exploring practical solutions to support the transition towards a more circular textile economy. Discussions focused on two key themes shaping the sector today: the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the scaling of circular business models. 

Exploring the Future of Textile EPR 

Paul Doertenbach, Head of the Landbell Textile EPR Programme, participated in the policy debate, "Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility", alongside representatives from H&M Group, LOOPTEX, Sirk Norge, Eco Baltia VIDE, and Latvijas Zaļais Punkts. 

The discussion examined how emerging textile EPR regulations will affect brands, collectors, reuse organisations, and waste management operators. Panellists also reflected on lessons learned from early-adopting countries and considered opportunities for greater regional alignment as EPR frameworks continue to evolve across Europe. 

Reflecting on the event, Paul emphasised the importance of collaboration across the value chain: 

"Encouraging to see how the Nordic-Baltic textile community is coming together to share experiences, address common challenges, and shape the future of textile circularity. With EPR frameworks now taking shape across Europe, we have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. The transition will be most effective when built on collaboration, reliable data, and a pan-European approach that recognizes textile value chains extend far beyond national borders." 

Scaling Innovation Across the Textile Value Chain 

Kerli Kant Hvass, Textile Circularity & Business Innovation Lead at Landbell Group, joined the panel discussion following the session "Innovators and Startups Redesigning the Value Chain", which brought together practitioners presenting innovative approaches to textile circularity. Topics ranged from automated collection and sorting systems to repair services, commercial reuse platforms, Digital Product 

Passport integration, circular business strategies, and fibre-to-fibre recycling technologies. 

The subsequent panel explored one of the industry's most pressing challenges: how to successfully scale circular business models and technologies from pilot projects to commercially viable solutions. 

Sharing her perspective during the discussion, Kerli highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation and market-driven solutions: 

"Breaking silos and learning from one another across borders is critical for the future of textile circularity. Scaling circular business models remains one of the sector's greatest challenges, and understanding both the gaps and opportunities across markets is key. EPR can become an important tool for addressing some of these market failures and accelerating the transition to a more circular textile system." 

Building Momentum for Circular Textiles 

As textile EPR schemes continue to develop across Europe, events such as the Nordic-Baltic Textile Circularity Forum play a vital role in bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, the forum helps create the conditions needed to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and circular textile system. 

We are proud to contribute to these discussions and support the development of practical, effective solutions that advance textile circularity across Europe.

It is not only about recycling processes and compliance, it is also about networking. ERP shares knowledge, insights, and news so that together we can promote the sustainable agenda.