How is the textile sector changing as a result of the new environmental regulations?
What you will find in this article: the real environmental impact linked to the fashion sector (data in hand); how sustainability is affecting consumer interests; the new regulations that are changing the market; the main certifications for the textile supply chain; concrete opportunities for companies in the sector. Let's get started!
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What are the impacts of fashion on our planet?
The fashion sector is one of the most responsible for environmental impact at a global level, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Only in the EU, according to European Environment Agency, purchases of textile products in 2020 generated about 270 kg of CO 2 emissions per person.
Furthermore, textile production is responsible for about 20% of global drinking water pollution, mainly due to the dyeing and finishing processes of the fabrics. To produce a single cotton t-shirt, for example, you need well 2,700 liters of water sweet, a volume equal to what a person should drink in two and a half years.
Added to all this is the massive use of land dedicated to the cultivation of cotton and other fibers.
Another serious problem is represented by release of synthetic microfibers when washing clothes. Every year, they are released into the seas 0.5 million tons of microfibers. A single wash of polyester clothes can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers, which inevitably enter the food chain.
Most of these particles are released during the first wash cycles, a direct effect of the philosophy of Fast fashion, characterized by low-cost mass production and high volumes. This model often results in poor quality and durable garments, which tend to deteriorate after just a few washes.
Finally, among all the garments produced, only the1% is recycled to create new clothes. Most used clothing is intended for export outside the EU, but a percentage equal to87% ends up in landfill or is incinerated, further aggravating the environmental impact of the sector.
To all this are added serious social problems related to textile production.
According to the Fashion Transparency Index, in 2023 the 99% of the major fashion brands did not report the number of workers in their supply chain who earn a decent wage.
In addition, only the 23% of companies declare the prevalence of violations related to modern slavery and to the risk factors in its production chain. Almost the 97% Some fashion items come from countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam, where working conditions are often precarious.
We can therefore conclude that it results fundamental start a path of sustainability in the fashion sector, addressing both environmental and social challenges to ensure a fair and sustainable future.
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What is sustainable fashion?
Answering this question is not easy at all.
As we have seen in previous data, the fashion sector has significant impacts. In addition, his supply chain is so widespread globally that it makes it very difficult to coordinate the start of a sustainability path that embraces every phase of the production of an item of clothing.
The sustainable fashion can therefore be considered a mechanism to promote more conscious consumption patterns, trying to avoid the depletion of natural resources that our planet offers us.
The main objective is establish thriving ecosystems and communities. This means increasing the value of producing local products, extending the life cycle of materials and reducing both waste and environmental damage related to production and consumption.
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Sustainability in the textile sector: how consumer demands are changing the market
Consumers around the world are showing a growing sensitivity to the environmental and social impact of the fashion products they buy. This change in preferences represents a challenge, but also astrategic opportunity for companies of the sector, which must adapt to remain competitive.
The report ”How Brands Can Embrace the Sustainable Fashion Opportunity“, created in collaboration with WWF Italia, analyzed the behavior of about 5,900 fashion consumers from six countries (China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The study shows that the 65% of respondents say they care about environmental protection. The new generations are distinguished, in fact, by a greater attention to sustainability issues compared to previous generations.
This trend suggests that companies that invest in sustainability practices and communications They can get a competitive advantage, positioning itself as the leader of a necessary change.
With this in mind, the transparency plays a crucial role: clearly communicating the environmental and social impact of your products is essential for gain trust of consumers and consumers.
Companies that adopt open and honest communication strategies are more likely to differentiate themselves in the market and attract knowledgeable customers. In addition, according to one PwC study, the 71% of young people are willing to pay more for more sustainable products, confirming the importance of a transparent approach.
This scenario therefore highlights the urgency of adopting more sustainable business models to meet the expectations of today's and tomorrow's consumers.
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The 5 EU regulations that are transforming the textile market
Given the growing consumer demand for a textile sector that responds to sustainability criteria, in recent years, numerous regulations have emerged to promote a path of sustainability in this sector.
These legislative developments offer consumers clearer guidance, simplifying buying decisions and strengthening confidence in more sustainable products.
At the same time, investors are also beginning to evaluate these initiatives positively, placing great attention to the environmental impact of fashion brands and preferring those that promote a path of sustainable growth.
Below, we analyze some of the main European regulations that will affect the textile sector in the coming years.
- Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR)
Approved in 2024, this regulation covers all types of products, with very few exceptions. It introduces requirements such as durability, reusability, possibilities for improvement and repairability, as well as regulations on energy efficiency, recycled content and carbon footprint.
One of the key tools is the “Digital Product Passport”, which allows you to track and document the sustainability of the purchased object.
- Green Claims Directive
This directive establishes criteria for making business information reliable and verifiable, counteracting misleading statements about the environmental merits of products and services.
This regulation stems from the fact that, at the moment, about 40% of environmental claims in the EU are unproven, and more than half are vague or unfounded. The objective is to counter the Greenwashing and strengthen consumer confidence.
- CSRD
La CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) replaces the previous NFRD and expands the number of companies required to report on sustainability. With more stringent requirements and a progressive implementation until 2028, it will involve about 50,000 companies, requiring them to draft sustainability reports detailed.
- Regulation against deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR)
This regulation aims to combat deforestation and forest degradation, ensuring that goods placed on the EU market do not contribute to these phenomena.
It includes products such as wood, cocoa, coffee and soybeans, requiring that they be zero-deforestation, compliant with the legislation of the country of production and covered by a due diligence declaration. - EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
This strategy requires that by 2030 all textile products marketed in the EU are durable, repairable, recyclable, made with recycled fibers, free of dangerous substances and produced in compliance with social and environmental rights.
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Textile certifications: how to promote transparency and corporate responsibility
To meet the growing demand for more sustainability in the textile sector, there are different certifications that companies can adopt for ensure transparency on their path to sustainability.
Here are some of the most relevant for companies in the sector.
- SA8000
This certification represents a commitment to socially responsible working conditions. It includes the protection of workers' rights, safety in the workplace and fair compensation.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Internationally recognized, this standard ensures that fabrics are produced organically, reducing environmental impact and protecting human health. - OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Essential to the safety of textile products, this standard focuses on eliminating harmful and toxic chemicals in fabrics, ensuring that they are safe for human use. - ISO 14001
Fundamental to environmental management, this certification helps companies identify, monitor and reduce the environmental impact of their textile operations. - Product Carbon Footprint Studies (ISO 14067)
Published in 2018, this standard defines the principles, requirements and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of Carbon Footprint of product, based on international LCA standards (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044). - Studies LCA (ISO 14040, ISO 14044)
The ISO 14040 standard of 2006 deals with environmental management, evaluating the impact of a good or service from an overall environmental perspective. The ISO 14044 standard, on the other hand, focuses on the analysis of the life cycle of a specific product or service. - Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
This statement is a certified document that provides transparent and verifiable information on the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, according to international standards such as ISO 14025.
Based on a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), the EPD makes it possible to compare similar products in terms of sustainability and represents a valuable tool for companies that want to communicate their environmental commitment in a clear and credible way.
These certifications and standards represent key tools for companies that wish to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, ensuring transparency and compliance with expectations of consumers and investors.
