In September 2026 the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment published a report on the Nature and Extent of Textiles consumption and post-consumer textiles (NATEX 2.0) in Ireland, with the aim of providing a comprehensive, quantitative baseline of textiles consumption and post-consumer textiles in Ireland.
The study was undertaken in 2025-26 on the nature and extent of textiles consumption and post-consumer textiles in Ireland for the baseline year of 2023. The study was completed by Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Limited (Arup) on behalf of the department. It provides an update to the previous NATEX study, published by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021.
NATEX 2.0 provides a comprehensive, quantitative baseline of the flows and fates of textiles consumption and post-consumer textiles in Ireland, drawing on available data and collecting data not previously captured to address knowledge gaps. In doing so, it aims to improve the evidence base to inform policy interventions, and to support the government in setting targets and monitoring progress. Based on the findings of the study, the report also presents conclusions and recommendations to advance circularity and improve data collection.
Ireland has a very high rate of textile waste, with 31kg of textile waste generated per person compared to an EU average of 16kg. The report recognises charity retailers as the ‘primary driver for domestic reuse’ in Ireland, managing 18% of all post-consumer textiles. It also acknowledges the challenges faced by our sector and advocating for supports to better quantify the volume of textiles managed by charity retailers.
The infographic below provides an overview of the key findings of the study.
