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Home → Blog → Resources → What is the EU Textile Strategy And What Does It Mean for Textile Brands?
As our understanding of the global environmental crisis grows, it has become increasingly clear that there is a significant need for change in the way we produce and consume products. While textiles is by no means the only industry contributing to environmental degradation and the climate crisis, it is one of the worst offenders. Research suggests that the consumption of textiles in the EU has the fourth highest impact on the environment, after food, housing and mobility. It comes third for water and land use and fifth highest for greenhouse gas emissions (EC).
While these are damning statistics, it is important to recognize that this is both a production and consumption issue. In the EU alone, individuals discard more than 5 million tonnes of clothing annually – approximately 12kg per person – and only 1% of that is recycled (EC). In an industry historically dominated by a fast-fashion business model, mass production of short-life consumables are damaging the planet, people and the textiles industry itself.
However, change is coming. Numerous forward-thinking textile brands are embracing a more environmentally conscious approach and textile technology innovators like Polygiene are also developing solutions that reduce products’ environmental footprints. Governments are also introducing new initiatives and legislation to improve the industry’s sustainability.
The EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles is one such initiative.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was introduced in March 2022 and aims to implement measures that ensure the EU meets the commitments established in the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It recognizes that the textile sector is a critical part of the EU economy and provides employment opportunities for a sizable part of the population. As such, it aims to ensure the industry’s resilience and promote competition and innovation as it transitions to a greener approach.
The EU textile strategy’s overall objectives include:
In this sense, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles targets every stage of a product’s lifecycle, promoting sustainable production, consumption, and end-of-life practices. It encourages the transition toward a more circular economy, addresses the intensive resource demands of the contemporary textiles industry, and takes aim at a commercial rationale that emphasizes supercharged consumption.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles consists of numerous new directives, guidelines, and regulations. Some of these are already in force and others will be enacted over the coming years. They include:
The CSRD strengthens the social and environmental reporting requirements initially established in the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NRFD) in 2014.
Ensures businesses assess and mitigate the environmental and social impact of both production and their supply chains. It applies to EU companies with more than 1,000 employees and more than EUR 450 million in turnover. It will be implemented gradually.
A package of measures designed to facilitate the transition to a more circular economy. It establishes a framework for ecodesign requirements for specific textile products.
Criteria that stop businesses from making misleading environmental claims.
Regulations designed to prevent the export of textile waste to other countries and markets.
A standardized framework for measuring products’ environmental footprints.
The DPP will ensure more information for textile products retailed in the EU is collected in a digital database, improving transparency and making repairing and recycling items easier.
These directives and guidelines are supported by a host of other actions, including greater microplastics regulation, changes to REACH compliance legislation and improvements to the Green Public Procurement (GPP) framework.
2022 – Launch and initial framework
The EU textile strategy was introduced in 2022, following the adoption of the Circular Economy Action Plan. Immediate efforts focused on engaging industry stakeholders, raising awareness, and establishing the frameworks to facilitate policy development.
2023-2024 – Policy development
In the two years following the strategy launch, the EU began work on policy development and drafting, focusing on several pieces of legislation that would help it achieve its aims. This included the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The CSRD’s reporting requirements came into effect in 2024. While the ESPR has been adopted as EU law, requirements are not expected to be confirmed until 2025.
2025 Onward – Implementation and enforcement
In 2025, the second round of EU directives will come into force and brands operating in EU markets must comply with relevant regulations. The Digital Product Passport will have a considerable impact on the textiles sector and data requirements for the scheme should be determined in 2025. In 2026, the Waste Shipments Regulation will come into effect. The details of the Product Environment Footprint (PEF) method for apparel and footwear will also be established. Though adopted into EU law in 2024, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will apply from 2026.
For textile brands, this means a busy few years ahead. While larger organizations will be affected more than SMEs and startups, all businesses will have to make changes. Key challenges include:
However, it is a mistake to view the EU textiles strategy as nothing but a challenge or obstacle to overcome. It also presents significant opportunities. For instance:
Businesses seeking to prepare for the changes included in the EU sustainability will need to adopt an action plan that includes the following steps.
Numerous textile brands use Polygiene technologies to improve the sustainability of their products and transition to a more environmentally friendly approach. Polygiene StayFresh™ is a groundbreaking antibacterial odor control solution that tackles unpleasant smells at the source, keeping textiles fresher for longer. In turn, this enables consumers to wash products less frequently, reducing water and energy consumption, and limiting the general wear and tear caused by regular machine washing. The result is a longer-lasting product that requires fewer resources to maintain.
Considering the EU textile strategy’s focus on improving product longevity and transitioning to a more circular economy, integrating Polygiene solutions into textiles is an effective way of meeting new sustainability standards while delivering extra value to customers.
Head to the Polygiene Freshness solutions page to learn more about our innovative and sustainable odor control technologies.