Sustainable Transformation of the European Textile Sector: Summary of Legislative Initiatives
The European textile industry is undergoing a period of profound transformation driven by the European Union’s commitment to sustainability, the circular economy, and decarbonization. In response to the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, the EU has articulated an ambitious regulatory framework affecting public administrations, citizens, companies, and waste managers. This article summarizes the main legislative initiatives in force and under development as of April 2025.
Context: The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan
Both strategies are the backbone of European regulatory change. They prioritize resource-intensive sectors like textiles, promoting sustainable product design, recycling, and extending the lifecycle of textiles, with the goal of reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.
Main Legislative Initiatives by Stakeholder
For Public Administrations
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): shifts the cost of managing textile waste to brands.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): will set criteria for durability, repairability, recycled content, and ban the destruction of unsold products. First requirements in 2027/2028.
Revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation: will include environmental, digital, and traceability information via Digital Product Passports.
New Waste Framework Directive: sets targets for separate textile collection in all Member States by 2025.
Consumer Empowerment and Green Claims Directive: combats misleading environmental claims.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): requires large companies to monitor environmental and human rights impacts in their supply chains.
REACH and Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation: limits hazardous substances in textiles.
For Citizens
Access to reliable information on the environmental impact of products and their repair and recycling options.
Ban on greenwashing: environmental claims without technical basis will be penalized.
Greater availability of sustainable and reusable textiles, with increased separate collection and recycling.
New labelling regulations with clear, accessible, and digital environmental information.
Empowerment for responsible purchasing, enabling informed and accessible choices.
For Companies
ESPR: mandatory ecodesign requirements for textiles, regulating durability, recyclability, recycled content, presence of toxics, and carbon footprint.
Sustainability Due Diligence: companies must prevent and remedy environmental and social impacts in their activities and supply chains.
CSRD (Sustainability Reporting): companies with more than 250 employees or listed must report their environmental, social, and governance impacts from 2024.
Green Claims Directive: regulates how environmental claims about products and brands must be communicated.
For Waste Managers
Mandatory separate textile collection in all EU municipalities from 2025.
Acceleration of sorting, reuse, and recycling of textiles.
Clear definition of textile waste to prevent illegal exports disguised as second-hand goods.
Guaranteed funding via EPR for treatment and recovery infrastructure.
Inclusion of the social sector in textile management, promoting local employment and the circular economy.
Fashion Forward Project
This set of initiatives is part of the European Fashion Forward project, funded by the Interreg Sudoe program, which aims to lead the transition of the southwestern European textile sector towards a more sustainable, digital, and circular model.
Upcoming Key Dates
2025: Obligation of separate textile collection.
2026: First greenwashing and consumer empowerment standards.
2027/2028: ESPR requirements come into effect.
2024-2027: Gradual application of CSRD and CSDDD.
Conclusion
The European textile sector faces a profound regulatory transformation that is redefining its production, marketing, and waste management model. This change requires concrete commitments from administrations, companies, and citizens to achieve a circular, sustainable, and responsible textile model.
Download the guides:
Legislative initiatives guide for public administrations
Legislative initiatives guide for citizens
Legislative initiatives guide for companies
Legislative initiatives guide for waste managers
