Not-so-fast Fashion: EU Pushes for More Sustainable Fashion
Posted on Friday, April 1, 2022 — 13 comments
The EU has proposed new rules around the production of clothing, furniture, and smartphones sold in Europe, to make them more sustainable and longer-lasting, and easier to repair. The strategy was launched on Wednesday 30th March and targets the products at each stage of use from design to repair and recycling.
This new initiative intends to boost the sustainability of textiles, contain the release of microplastics into the environment, improve labour conditions in the textile sector, as well as educating consumers on how to reuse and repair their existing garments. It also states that there will be stricter rules and consequences for companies misleading consumers about sustainability and environmental claims, also known as greenwashing.
Iona Popescu from NGO, the Environmental Coalition on Standards, said the regulations were designed to bring in products that could last longer and be used multiple times, rather than worn a couple of times and then being thrown away. It’s unfortunately estimated that less than 1% of clothing is recycled globally.
According to the European Environment Agency, clothes use in Europe has the fourth-highest impact on the climate and environment on average. This is only exceeded by food, housing, and transportation. In the UK, politicians have called on the government to change the law to make it a requirement for fashion retailers to comply with environmental standards.
Tamara Cincik from Fashion Roundtable, said this strategy within fashion could set the tone for future laws outside of the EU and could encourage stronger expectations of future UK laws. She is an advocate for how important it is for both UK brands and the government to be aware of this strategy. The proposals are now being discussed by the Council and European Parliament.
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