How Ecodesign criteria can make sustainable and affordable textiles a reality

As consumers are increasingly aware of the textiles sector’s negative impact on the environment, they expect their clothes to last longer. Almost six in 10 Europeans are willing to pay more for products that are easier to repair, recyclable and/or produced in a sustainable way. This is why sustainable clothing should become the norm for consumers while being affordable for everyone. 

The EU set the goal of making sustainable textiles the norm by 2030 in its Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and, currently, the European Commission is developing a proposal to introduce minimum performance and information requirements for textiles entering the EU market. This proposal will be in the form of a delegated act under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

In this paper, BEUC sets out its key recommendations, focusing on longer-lasting textiles, safe and sustainable design, improved circularity and meaningful information. 

More information:

• BEUC 2021 position paper: Why moving essential product information online is a no-go

• BEUC’s recommendations:  Towards the EU Product Act

• BEUC's report: Click to buy (more): How fast fashion giant SHEIN uses dark patterns to push overconsumption