Interview with Textile Exchange: Why Balanced Subject Expertise is Key in the Sustainability Debate
It’s no secret that the textile industry is one of the EU Commission’s main sectors of attention when it comes to anticipated sustainability policy. The fashion industry is a large polluter in the world, and for that reason, many of the latest pieces of legislation being presented in Brussels bring new rules to be followed […]
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: Why is it a Game-Changer for the European Market?
Can new product sustainability rules really help us achieve the goal of a greener future? The European Commission’s answer would be, yes. Although a truly sustainable society may seem like a distant dream right now, the impact of ecodesign measures already implemented demonstrate their potential as a real pathway forward: in 2021 alone, ecodesign measures […]
EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles: Everything You Need to Know
In the European Union alone, each person is responsible for discarding 11kg of textiles in the space of only 12 months. It’s estimated that this could add up to a whopping 5.8 million tonnes of textile waste per year in a few years. Driven by rising consumption levels, the production of textiles nearly doubled in […]
The EU’s new Waste Shipment Rules: Proposed Regulations will Incentivise the EU’s Recycling Industry
Rapidly expanding consumer markets and economic growth have led to a huge increase in waste generation in recent decades. In 2020 alone, the EU exported almost 33 million tonnes of waste to non-EU countries. To minimize environmental and human harm, the EU must manage waste responsibly and avoid exporting the problem to other countries. But […]
Interview with ChemSec: How Positive Industry Voices Drive Policy Change
As public concern grows, and the EU’s Chemicals Strategy tightens legislation, it’s time for companies to take action on toxic chemical use. Our latest interview highlights why proactive companies should work with EU policymakers and civil society to create a culture of safe, sustainable chemicals and drive circular business models. We spoke with Theresa Kjell […]
Widening the Conversation on Microfibres: An Interview with Industry Organisations EOG and FESI
Over the last few years, discussions around microplastics – tiny particles released when we wash synthetic clothing – have become increasingly urgent. But fibre shedding in textiles is a complex problem – and it’s much bigger than microplastics. Our latest interview highlights the need to take a step back and understand what the risks are and […]
The EU’s Sustainable Chemicals Strategy: A Primer for Textile Companies
The EU has some of the strictest regulations in the world governing industry use of chemicals. But it’s still not enough to ensure that the chemicals used in manufacturing, packaging, and commercialising products are safe and sustainable. To fulfil the ambition of the European Green Deal, and meet climate goals like zero pollution by 2050, […]
Circular Business Models: What are They and why are They Important?
A circular economy is key to the EU achieving its goals of climate neutrality by 2050 —and businesses will play a crucial role. Transitioning to circular business models can help companies to meet business goals as well as environmental targets. Circular business models allow companies to decouple revenue from resource use. Circular products and services […]
Overcoming Barriers to Create a Secondary Raw Materials Market
In March 2020, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) that aims to make goods sold on the EU market clean, circular, and sustainable. As part of the new European Green Deal, the CEAP is key to achieving the EU’s ambitious environmental goals, which include carbon neutrality by 2050. Sustainable waste […]
What’s New in the EU’s Sustainable Textile Strategy Consultation?
Note: read our latest article on the EU Textile strategy updates The EU strategy for sustainable textiles will be adopted by the end of 2021 – and that means major changes for the fashion industry. Organizations have already had a chance to give their initial opinions on the strategy roadmap, but now, the EU Commission […]