SMART Convention 2026

Textile circularity in Europe is entering a more demanding phase, as policy ambition collides with weak infrastructure and commercial uncertainty. At Antwerp’s SMART gathering, the discussion turns less on whether circular systems are needed than on whether reuse, sorting, recycling and trade can be made to function together under mounting regulatory and market pressure across the continent.

Debate over used clothing exports often portrays receiving countries as passive endpoints for unwanted waste. The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) argues research across African and Latin American markets shows garments arrive largely fit for resale or reuse. Consumers buy them for price, quality and practical value.