Bridging the gaps: recommendations for improving the status quo pertaining to textile waste data discrepancies in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth analysis of textile waste streams and pertaining data gaps at various levels in the Czech Republic, focusing on identifying and quantifying data gaps that hinder accurate material flow analyses. The research was conducted through a combination of existing data collection from available statistics and semi-structured interviews with 25 key stakeholders across the textile supply chain, including manufacturers, waste managers, and recycling entities. The study uncovered significant data gaps in areas such as textile waste from producers generating less than 100 tons per year, deadstock disposal, and textile waste in mixed municipal waste. These gaps present challenges to effective waste anagement and the implementation of the European Union's Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. The findings also highlight the critical need for standardised data collection methodologies and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to improve data accuracy and support the transition to a circular economy in the textile sector. The article concludes with targeted recommendations for improving data collection practices and policy frameworks to address these gaps and facilitate better decision-making for sustainable textile management in the Czech Republic