Europe is shaking up the fashion world with bold new regulations aimed at sustainability and transparency within the textile industry. Manufacturers will soon be held accountable for the entire life cycle of their clothing, from creation to disposal. This marks a huge shift in how we produce fabrics and clothing, so how will it look for brands and consumers in the real world? Let’s break down the key changes.
1. The Rise of Circular Fashion
→ Mandatory Returns: Get ready for changes in how you interact with fashion brands. Companies will need to bear the cost of collecting worn-out garments, encouraging several possible outcomes. We may see higher quality clothing built to last, more direct pre-order systems to reduce waste, or even customer reward programs for returning used items (Environment).
→ Ecodesign Mandate: Reduced environmental impact becomes a core principle of garment design. Fabrics will be more biodegradable, easily repairable, and made with less harmful materials. This shift could put repair shops back in the spotlight and introduce innovative fibers made from things like agricultural waste. We can also expect a more rigid approach to verifying eco-design claims.
→ Recycled Fiber Requirements: The industry will need to embrace recycled materials on a larger scale. While this could initially alter the look and feel of recycled fashion, its positive impact on water and land savings is undeniable – and something environmentally conscious consumers will increasingly demand (Interreg Europe).
2. Digital Transparency and the Impact on Business Practices
→ Digital Product Passports: QR codes revealing a garment’s origin, materials, and environmental footprint, offering greater transparency and raising standards across the whole industry. In addition, it will protect markets (such as the EU) from non-compliant products.
→ Fighting Exploitation: The duty of precaution places liability on brands for human rights and environmental abuses anywhere in their supply chains, with hefty fines attached. It shines a light on the entire manufacturing process, encouraging greater scrutiny and hopefully, better working conditions for those who make our clothes (Carbonfact)..
→ Right to Repair: Consumers will gain stronger legal rights for feasible repairs, boosting repair businesses and encouraging manufacturers to design products that last (Recover™).
3. Unsold items, Influencers and Greenwashing
→ End to Returned and Unsold items Destruction: Companies will no longer be able to simply destroy surplus or returned stock. Stricter return policies could be a solution, alongside a greater focus on creating higher-quality garments that people want to keep rather than throw away.
→ Influencer Accountability: The era of undisclosed influencer sponsorships is waning. Consumers will be better informed about paid content, a move that protects genuine recommendations and restores trust in the online fashion community (Norton Rose Fulbright | Global law firm).
→ Fighting False ‘Green’ Claims: “Sustainable” will become much more than a buzzword. Brands will need hard data to justify their environmental claims. This standardization not only protects consumers but also spotlights truly innovative companies, especially with the help of digital passports.
What Does This Mean for You?
The EU’s textile revolution brings accountability, choice, and the potential for a truly sustainable fashion industry. As a conscious consumer, you can use these new tools to make smarter choices and support brands that align with your values.
Kezzler: Enabling Brands to Meet the Challenge
Kezzler help brands embrace the digital passport concept, giving consumers more knowledge and confidence. Our digital ID solutions allow brands to track and trace their products securely throughout the supply chain. This level of visibility is what builds trust, which is imperative as new regulations and consumer expectations shift the industry and the substantiation of any claim becomes non-negotiable.
Read more on Kezzler and Digital Product Passport.
If you’re interested in attending our Fashion360 events, make sure you join our waitlist. We bring together brand and innovation industry leaders from all areas of fashion and sustainability to discuss our collective work toward reducing the industry’s environmental impact, promoting ethical practices, and aiming to create a better future for all stakeholders.