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National Action Plan for Textiles

The Danish National Action Plan for Textiles is Denmark’s shared framework for the transition towards a more circular textile sector

Purpose

The National Action Plan for Textiles

Danish National Action Plan for Textiles

The Danish National Action Plan for Textiles is Denmark’s shared framework for the transition towards a more circular textile sector.

It aims to drive tangible progress in the circular transition of the sector and contribute to reducing textile consumption and production as well as the overall climate and environmental impact of textiles. At the same time, the Action Plan will boost the sector’s competitiveness by preparing companies for new requirements and creating better conditions for innovation and circular market opportunities.

The Action Plan brings together the entire ecosystem, including companies, industry organisations, public-sector stakeholders, knowledge institutions and civil society, around a shared vision and a series of initiatives designed to support the transition of the Danish fashion and textile sector.

THE ACTION PLAN IN BRIEF
  • The Danish National Action Plan for Textiles (NHPT) will drive tangible progress in the circular transition of the textile sector, reduce its climate and environmental impact, and at the same time boost the sector’s competitiveness.
  • The Action Plan is based on a systemic approach in which companies, public-sector stakeholders, citizens and civil society contribute to the transition, and where prevention, product lifespan extension and reuse are prioritised over recycling and waste management.
  • The plan is organised into three tracks: 1) The industry’s circular transition, 2) Circular infrastructure and system solutions, and 3) Textile comprehension, skills and behaviour.
Outcome

A shared foundation to future-proof the textile industry

The Danish National Action Plan for Textiles will provide Denmark and the Danish textile sector with a stronger shared foundation for the circular transition.

Through shared solutions, better data, new skills and stronger partnerships, the Action Plan will better prepare companies and public-sector stakeholders for upcoming EU requirements, strengthen innovation and create new market opportunities.

At the same time, the initiatives will contribute to lower textile consumption, reduced climate and environmental impact, and a more coherent circular infrastructure in Denmark.

Vision

More value from less textiles

The vision of the Action Plan is to contribute to the development of a more circular textiles system, in which products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, while production, consumption and the overall climate and environmental impact of textiles are gradually reduced through more resource-efficient use of materials and products.

The vision follows the fundamental principles of the waste hierarchy, where prevention, product lifespan extension and reuse are prioritised over recycling and waste management.

The vision is based on the recognition that current textile production and consumption are not compatible with long-term climate and resource considerations or with a society that respects and operates within planetary boundaries.

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated DKK 40 million earmarked under the 2025 Finance Act for the Danish National Action Plan for Textiles (NHPT).

Danish National Action Plan for Textiles (NHPT)

The business cluster Lifestyle and Design Cluster (LDC) is responsible for the secretariat function, in close partnership with the industry organisation Dansk Mode & Textil (DM&T) and the innovation mission for circular economy, TRACE.

Betina Simonsen , CEO
Lifestyle and Design Cluster

“Our collective ambition is to create a common compass that steers towards a future-proof textiles sector based on circular innovation, responsible consumption, and sustainable value creation.”

Three tracks – one coordinated effort

The Action Plan is organised into three main tracks that together will accelerate the transition:

  • The industry’s circular transition: Strengthens companies’ skills, supports the implementation of new EU regulation and promotes the development of circular business models.
  • Circular infrastructure: Establishes the foundation for the partnerships, infrastructure and market mechanisms needed to keep textiles and textile fibres in circulation for as long as possible.
  • Textile comprehension and upskilling: Strengthens knowledge and skills relating to textiles among citizens, educational institutions and the workforce, while supporting more resource-conscious choices and longer textile lifespans.
Anette Juhl , Director
TRACE

“Our industry has an enormous potential for value creation by means of common guidelines and collaboration across research, public bodies, NGOs, and private enterprises.”

Background 

The textile industry has traditionally operated within linear business models with accordingly significant externality costs. The European Environment Agency estimates that the textile industry causes the fifth highest pressure on the environment and climate, only surpassed by the food, housing, transport, and hospitality industries. Global production of textiles has doubled between 2000 and 2015, and continual growth is expected towards 2030.  

In 2022, the EU’s Textiles Strategy set a new direction for the textile industry to transition to a circular model. This is supported by EU legislation which will be implemented across the member states in the coming years, but national efforts are required to encourage the transition and prepare businesses for the upcoming EU requirements.  

As part of the Danish 2025 Finance Act, the government and the supporting parties agreed to develop a National Action Plan for Textiles to help align the textile industry’s circular transition with the EU Textiles Strategy. 

The National Action Plan for Textiles covers the entire Danish textiles ecosystem and is therefore a standing invitation for all stakeholders to contribute insights and knowledge that will strengthen the direction and quality of the action plan and its initiatives. The initiatives will primarily be sent to tender. Information about tenders will be published on the website and through the consortium partners’ newsletters. 

The Consortium

The action plan is governed by a consortium consisting of Danish Fashion & Textile, Lifestyle and Design Cluster, and TRACE who will collectively undertake the secretariat function and the continuous coordination of the efforts. The consortium of partners brings together complimentary competencies around industry expertise, innovation, research, and value chain collaboration. The organisation of responsibilities is described in the following. 

LIFESTYLE AND DESIGN CLUSTER   
Appointed as an industry and innovation cluster, acting as a bridge between knowledge institutions and industry to strengthen innovation and capacity across the sector. 

  • Assumes overall project and finance responsibility and functions as the administrative office for the action plan
  • Ensures progression, financial management, documentation, and consolidated reporting to The Danish Environmental Protection Agency
  • Handles coordination, meeting notices, preparation of agendas, evidence for decision-making, and minutes
  • Manages and monitors the action plan’s project activities and deliverables
  • Manages and drives selected initiatives by appointment
  • Assumes overall responsibility for communications
  • Contributes strategic perspectives and supports implementation 

DANISH FASHION & TEXTILE 

Denmark’s largest business association for Danish fashion and textile companies, whose knowledge and experience are founded on a thorough comprehension of the industry. Covers policy development of industry frameworks both nationally and internationally.

  • Assumes responsibility for political interests as well as industry anchoring
  • Contributes industry insights and communicates to member organisations
  • Manages and drives selected initiatives by appointment
  • Contributes strategic perspectives and supports implementation 

     

TRACE

Government-appointed innomission for circular economy within plastics and textiles. Initiates collaborations across the value chain and ensures the transition takes place in accordance with the latest research. 

  • Assumes responsibility for the development and implementation of the action plan’s impact framework, including impact documentation, and its foundation in academic research
  • Supports evaluations, learnings, and data collection across initiatives
  • Manages and drives selected initiatives by appointment
  • Contributes strategic perspectives and supports implementation 

 
Steering committee 

Consists of leading stakeholders across the value chain, including industry organisations, government bodies, knowledge institutions, civil society organisations, waste and re-use actors, and various companies.

The purpose of the steering committee is to ensure the initiatives of the action plan are completed according to:

  • The objectives of the application material and the agreement
  • The requirements of administrative law (equal treatment, impartiality, transparency, and fair hearing)
  • The financial and formal stipulations relating to documentation, reporting, and results 

The steering committee will support the circular transition of the Danish fashion and textile industries and will contribute to the realisation of the action plan’s three tracks. 

Steering committee members: 

    • Annette Braunstein, Deputy Director, DAKOFA
    • Mette Hoffgaard Ranfelt, Chief Advisor for Environmental Policy, The Danish Society for Nature Conservation
    • Marie Josephine Mustelin, Director for the Green Transition in the Textile Sector, Danish Chamber of Commerce
    • Iben Sohn, Director of Circular Economy, Danish Industries
    • Jens Obel, Co-owner & Director, DK Company
    • Marie Busck, Chief Sustainability Officer, Danish Fashion & Textile (chair)
    • Christina Saxkjær, Head of Sustainability, Elis
    • Lene Nedergaard, CMO, F.Engel
    • Winni Grosbøll, Director, The Danish Consumer Council
    • Mette Bendix, Partner & Director, Kvadrat
    • Betina Simonsen, CEO, Lifestyle and Design Cluster
    • Signe Tholstrup, CEO, MINI A TURE
    • Kristine Holm-Jensen, Director, Museum Midtjylland
    • Cecilie Schwartz Førby, Head of Procurement and Contract Management, Aarhus Municipality
    • Anette Juhl, Director, TRACE (vice-chair) 

  •  

    Advisory board 

    An interdisciplinary advisory board functions as a sounding board across the action plan’s efforts. 

    The advisory board has two main tasks: 1. quality assurance of tenders and subsidy schemes, and 2. collaborating with the secretariat to ensure synergies across the action plan’s initiatives and other relevant initiatives 

    Advisory board members: 

    • Claus Teilmann Petersen, Stakeholder Engagement & Human Rights Manager, BESTSELLER  
    • Louise Brix, Regulatory Director, Circular Denmark 
    • Cecilie Thorsmark, Director, Copenhagen Fashion Week 
    • Sofie Dolva, Director, CIFF
    • Thomas Østergaard-Geisler, CEO, Create2STAY 
    • Nina Nagskov Jørgensen, Political Senior Advisor for Environmental Policy & Circular Economy, Danish Industries 
    • Ann Højer Hoffmann, Senior Advisor & Program Leader for Green Hospitals, Regional Development, EU og Climate, Danish Regions  
    • Kristian Rise, Deputy Director, Designmuseum Danmark 
    • Lars Riis, Director, ELSK 
    • Nanna Callisen Bang, CEO, Ethical Trade Denmark 
    • Vibeke Myrtue Jensen, Senior Advisor, The Danish Consumer Council 
    • Henrik Hylleberg Luxhøj, CEO, Forenede Service Danmark 
    • Sine Beuse Fauerby, Head of Circular Economy, Gate21 
    • Anita Jørgensen, Chair, Håndarbejdets Fremme 
    • Laurits Vestergaard, Quality Operation Manager, JYSK 
    • Anne Ley, Chief Advisor, KL Local Government Denmark 
    • Susanne Lindeneg, Special Advisor, Team Lead in the unit for re-use and waste legislation, Municipality of Copenhagen 
    • Mathilde de Kruiff, Programme Director, University College Copenhagen (KP) 
    • Rikke Ramm Eberlein, Team Lead CSR, Corporate Affairs, Lidl 
    • Ulla Mannering, Professor, The National Museum of Denmark 
    • Rikke Bech, CEO/Co-founder, NewRetex 
    • Tina Donnerborg, Head of Re-use, Danish Red Cross 
    • Kristina Vigen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sports Group Denmark 
    • Jannik Frank Petersen, Union Chair, The Danish Association of Professional Technicians 
    • Julie Brender Trads, PhD Senior Project Lead, Danish Technological Institute 
    • Poul-Erik Jørgensen, Research, Development & Innovation Manager, VIA University College 

Previous activities 

29/8-2025: Application for secretariat function sent to The Danish Environmental Protection Agency 

30/9-2025: Commitment is announced by The Danish Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality and The Danish Environmental Protection Agency 

6/10-2025: Kick-off meeting with The Danish Environmental Protection Agency 

3/12-2025: Inaugural steering committee meeting

21/1-2026: Steering committee meeting 

4/2-2026: Steering committee meeting 

24/2-2026: Advisory board meeting 

24/2-2026: Open meeting for interested parties (see video recording) 

21/4-2026: Advisory board meeting 

29/4-2026: Panel discussions at LOOP Forum

5/5-2026: The launch of the Action Plan was expected at the end of April, but due to the parliamentary election held on 24 March and the subsequent negotiations, the launch of the Action Plan was put on hold until a new government was formed on 3 June and responsibility for circular economy was transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities.

Upcoming activities 

  • Launch of the action plan was expected by the end of April ‘26 but has been delayed due to the general election. The launch will take place once a new government has assembled, and the new Minister for Environment and Gender Equality has been able to consider the matter. 

 

The action plan is organised in three tracks, which combined will accelerate the transition: 

  • Circular transition 
  • Circular infrastructure 
  • Textile comprehension and upskilling 

The tracks are mutually dependent; the companies’ circular solutions require operational infrastructure, and both aspects assume that competencies, knowledge, and behaviours develop concurrently. 

Within the three tracks, targeted initiatives are implemented that collectively contribute to reducing textile production and consumption as well as the overall environmental and climate impact of the textile sector. This constitutes the central focus of the Action Plan’s work during the 2026–2029 period.

The initiatives have been selected to collectively support the four solution tracks identified by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the six priorities arising from the 2025 Finance Act. See the application material from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency for further information about the clearly defined political and professional framework that the Action Plan must address and translate into coherent and effective initiatives.

All goals and milestones of the action plan are founded on the TRACE Impact Framework, which constitutes the common foundation of the direction, measurement, and learnings across the action plan’s initiatives. The framework is used to create clear coherence between the vision, the specific initiatives, and the long-term structural changes necessary for the transition of the textiles sector. This makes it possible to work systematically with the output, outcome, and long-term impact and to monitor whether the effort is moving in the desired direction. 

Marie Busck , Chief Sustainability Officer
DANISH FASHION & TEXTILE (DM&T)

“Since DM&T launched the policy proposal for a national action plan for textiles, this is what we have been working towards. We were very pleased to have the action plan included in the Finance Act, and it’s fantastic that we are now part of such a strong partnership – one that can jointly develop the action plan and launch activities that will create holistic progress for both society and industry in the textile sector.”

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