The European Commission’s initiative, as detailed in the article ‘How is the EU making fashion sustainable?’, outlines a comprehensive strategy to revolutionise the textile industry. The goal is to establish a sustainable ecosystem for textiles by 2030, focusing on durability, repairability, and recyclability of textiles products. This approach addresses the environmental challenges posed by the current linear model of textile production and consumption.    

The strategy emphasises the importance of design in determining a product’s environmental footprint, with plans to set new design requirements for textiles. These requirements aim to ensure that textiles products are long-lasting, easier to repair, and incorporate minimum recycled content. Additionally, the EU plans to introduce a Digital Product Passport to provide consumers with clear information on environmental factors related to textiles.

Key takeaways

• Implementation of new design requirements to enhance the longevity and recyclability of textiles products.
• Introduction of a Digital Product Passport to inform consumers about the environmental aspects of textiles.
• Measures to discourage the destruction of unsold textiles and restrict the export of textile waste.  
• Strategies to tackle microplastic pollution originating from synthetic textiles.

This initiative represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and circular textiles industry in the EU.

Learn more about the EU’s sustainable fashion strategy here.