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Environmental organizations are asking the European Union to establish mandatory minimum sustainability criteria for textile products. The requirements must ensure that the products are durable, easily repairable and toxic-free.
This request comes from ECOS – an international organization dedicated to environmental problems, which has put forward a study that states that “it is urgent to integrate the minimum eco-design requirements in textiles across the EU, similar to those standing for electrical and electronic equipment”.
In a statement, the environmentalists warn that “fossil sources account for about two-thirds of the materials used by the textile industry today”, which means that “if the clothes use is extended by just nine months we reduce the carbon, water and waste footprint by 20 to 30%”.
An investigation done on labels and tags reveals that they do not integrate fundamental criteria to assess their sustainability, such as durability, repairability, potential reuse or even the reduction of microfiber release.
A first step in this direction has already been taken at European level with the Waste Directive, which establishes that from January 1st, 2025, the selection of textiles for recycling will become mandatory throughout the EU.