Textiles are all around us! From the clothes we wear to the upholstery on our furniture and the curtains in our homes, textiles are a huge part of our daily lives. But here’s the issue: the textile and fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting sectors in the world.
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), textiles rank fourth in terms of environmental impact in Europe, right after food, housing, and transport. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles paves the way for transforming how we produce, use, and dispose of textiles—making the industry more eco-friendly and circular. This strategy is part of the European Green Deal, aimed at protecting both people and the planet, without compromising style or quality.
Let’s break down what sustainable and circular textiles are, why we need a strategy, and what it means for the future of fashion and textiles in Europe. Sustainable textiles are fabrics produced with minimal environmental impact and respect for workers' rights. These materials use less water, energy, and chemicals and last longer without creating harmful waste. Circular textiles go even further—they are designed for reuse, repair, or recycling, keeping them in circulation and out of landfills.
Why do we need a strategy for sustainable textiles?
The current textile and fashion industry operates on a "take-make-dispose" model, where resources are extracted to create low-quality, short-lived products, which are then discarded. This linear system creates serious environmental and social problems, including:
- High resource consumption. The textile and fashion industry uses about 9% of the world’s water, 4% of global land, and 2% of global energy. Annually, it consumes around 120 million tons of non-renewable fibers.
- Significant environmental impact. The industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of industrial water pollution, and a significant amount of microplastics in the oceans.
- Waste overload. Each year, around 92 million tons of textile waste are generated, most of which is either incinerated or sent to landfills.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles aims to change this by 2030. The goal is for all textile products sold in the EU to be durable, repairable, recyclable, and made mostly from recycled materials—produced ethically and free from harmful substances. Fast fashion will be replaced by longer-lasting, high-quality textiles that are both affordable and environmentally safe.
The EU Strategy sets five key goals to be achieved by 2030:
1. All textile products will be designed to last longer and be easier to repair and recycle.
2. Consumers will have access to quality, affordable products that will stay in their wardrobe for years.
3. Repair and reuse services will become more accessible, fostering a new culture of sustainable consumption.
4. Brands and manufacturers will take full responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.
5. Europe will lead by example, promoting sustainable textiles globally.
How will it be implemented? The EU Strategy is not just recommendations—it is backed by laws and regulations that will drive these changes in the textile and fashion industries. Here are the key legislative tools to support this process:
1. European Green Deal
The foundation of the EU's environmental efforts is the European Green Deal—a comprehensive framework that aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The textile strategy is part of this plan, helping reduce emissions, decrease waste, and protect biodiversity while maintaining the competitiveness and innovation of the textile and fashion industries.
2. Circular Economy Action Plan
The Circular Economy Action Plan is a set of legislative acts that encourage industries to embrace circularity, ensuring products are reused, repaired, or recycled. For textiles, this means:
- Mandatory design requirements: Products must last longer and be easier to recycle.
- Recycled content requirements: New products must contain a regulated percentage of recycled fibers.
3. Digital Product Passports (DPPs)
Digital tools will provide consumers with information about the origin, materials, and environmental impact of textile products.
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The EU is introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes to make manufacturers responsible for their products from production to disposal. This means brands must ensure the recycling or proper management of their products’ waste, even after they are sold. By 2025, EPR will become mandatory in all EU Member States, forcing brands to cover the costs of recycling and waste management, encouraging more sustainable design choices.
5. Legislation to reduce microplastics
The EU is working on laws to reduce the release of microplastics from synthetic textiles. This will require brands to design clothes that shed fewer microfibers during washing, drying, and wearing. Consumers will also be advised to wash clothes at lower temperatures and use filters to capture microplastics in washing machines.
6. Ban on Greenwashing
We’ve all seen brands using vague or exaggerated claims like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" without providing real evidence. The EU is cracking down on greenwashing by introducing stricter rules. Now, companies must provide clear proof of their environmental claims, ensuring consumers are not misled.
7. Recycling targets and export restrictions on waste
To increase textile recycling rates (currently only 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments), the EU is introducing mandatory recycling targets. Additionally, the EU is restricting the export of textile waste to developing countries, aligning with the Basel Convention on hazardous waste. Instead, textile waste will be managed responsibly within Europe.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is more than just an environmental policy—it’s a vision for a future where clothes are designed, used, and recycled in ways that benefit both people and the planet. With legislative tools like the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and mandatory recycling targets, Europe is taking bold steps to make the textile and fashion industries more sustainable.
Whether you’re a conscious consumer, an innovative entrepreneur, or someone who wants to make a positive impact, there’s a place for everyone in this movement. So, next time you shop or organize your wardrobe, think about how you can support the circular economy and help create a textile and fashion industry ready for the future.
