The story of water in fashion is one few people know in detail but it affects everyone. From cotton plantations requiring millions of liters to grow, to factories where colors and textures are fixed into fabric using tons of water, the textile industry is one of the world’s largest water consumers.
Did you know producing just one kilogram of cotton can consume up to 20,000 liters of water? In Europe, this number translates into billions of cubic meters flowing through dyehouses and finishing facilities, leaving behind a trail of wastewater contaminated with dyes and chemicals difficult to remove. And that’s not all: washing synthetic fibers releases microplastics that threaten rivers and oceans, affecting ecosystems and human health.
Faced with this scenario, the European Union decided to act decisively. New laws have focused not only on reducing water consumption but also on making the entire supply chain responsible for getting a garment to your wardrobe.
For consumers, this means clear information about the water footprint of garments: an invitation to think before buying and prefer more sustainable options. For manufacturers, the demands are even higher: they must implement technologies that reduce actual water consumption, recycle it within their processes, and rigorously control the composition of their discharges. At stake are not only legal penalties but also opportunities to access incentives for environmental commitment.
Distributors and sellers also have a role. They are called upon to ensure the products they offer come from responsible supply chains and to transparently inform customers. They must also promote the circular economy by encouraging repair, reuse, and recycling of garments.
This change is not just regulatory: it is a transformation reshaping the entire chain from the cotton seed to the label hanging in a store. The challenges are huge, but so are the opportunities for a more conscious, efficient, and environmentally respectful industry.
Water, a vital and limited element, demands its role and challenges us all to be part of this new story where sustainability and fashion go hand in hand.
Key legislation and obligations in the European textile industry
| Year | Event / Key Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Entry into force of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) | Establishes principles for sustainable water management across all industrial sectors. |
| March 2022 | Presentation of the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles | Targets to reduce the environmental impact of the textile sector. |
| Apr 5, 2023 | Proposal to update the Industrial Emissions Directive | New obligations to reduce polluting discharges; 4 years to adapt. |
| Jul 18, 2024 | Entry into force of the Sustainable Product Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) | Requirements for textile ecodesign and reducing environmental impact, including water efficient use. |
| Jan 2025 | Obligation for separate collection of textile waste | Obligation to promote circular economy through recycling and reuse. |
| 2027 | Obligation for full compliance with textile ecodesign regulations and DPP | All textile products must comply and have an environmental Digital Product Passport (DPP). |
| 2030 | Deadlines in the Sustainable Textile Strategy for impact reduction | Deadline for drastic reduction of water consumption, pollution, and waste generation in the sector. |
