The European Union’s objective to reduce its carbon footprint by 55% by 2030, is being further refined for the fashion industry. Proposals have been made to require all textiles to be durable and recyclable, are made largely with recycled fibres, are free of dangerous substances and produced with respect to social rights and the environment as El Pais’ Noelia Fariña writes.
The European Commision has drafted an action plan to bridge certain gaps in current regulation with proposals to establish common eco-design requirements, primarily for textile and footwear products. Pending its adoption by the EU parliament, Member States would have a common legislative framework to follow in order to achieve a unified market and sustainability goals. The Ecodesign Regulation would require the creation of a digital passport – a traceability and certification tool that verifies how clothes have been made, while their life cycle is able to be tracked. Fashion companies will be responsible for adopting these regulations for all garments and in turn the consumer is empowered with relevant information to take proactive steps towards achieving a circular economy.
The Green Claims Directive, an EU legislative initiative, will set the rules that brands must follow to affirm that products are ecological and sustainable. While exact requirements remain unclear, the proposal emphasises quality and composition to increase the durability, reusability, repairability and recyclability of textile garments in 2030. Quality aspects might include improving tear resistance and quality of seams and zippers, with a commercial guarantee of durability in the form of a visual logo. Composition enhancements may include using minimal recycled fibres in one garment, avoiding the mixing of different materials to reduce excessive consumption of water and raw materials, and putting a stop to microplastics and harmful chemicals in the production process. In addressing sustainability issues after a purchase and to empower customers to continue the circular economy, the directive proposes green advertising that clearly presents life-cycle claims and certifications for products deemed ecological.
In addition to the production of garments, the creation of a Diligence Directive on business sustainability will aim to improve working conditions in factories, prohibit forced or child labour and ensure rights of workers are respected.
The EU proposals aim to instil a sense of shared responsibility between Member States, the fashion industry and consumers to aid the achievement of broader sustainability goals.