The European Union wants rules on textile waste to be implemented in the next five years to reduce environmental damage
The fashion industry is booming, as is textile waste. According to a 2018 United Nations report, fashion production accounts for approximately 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions and 85% of all textiles produced are wasted annually. Understanding the need for action, the European Commission recently said that rules on textile waste must be in place by 2028.
Earlier this week, the European Commission (EU) recognized the need to address textile consumption in Europe, which is home to popular fast-fashion brands such as H&M and Inditex. However, these brands have shown no signs of reducing production, but have said they are looking for ways to reduce water and energy consumption and use more recycled textiles, according to Reuters.
The EU wants all planned regulations requiring fashion companies to produce clothes in a more sustainable way to be in place by 2028, it reports. Reuters. Through this movement, the EU aims to address Europe’s impact on the environment and climate change.
“The fashion industry has escaped regulation, but we see that they are a huge pressure on natural resources and regarding pollution. We have to react,” Virginijus Sinkevičius said in an interview at the World Fashion Summit in Copenhagen. , as reported. by Reuters. The EU is drafting at least 16 laws for fashion companies to take responsibility for the environmental impacts of the clothes they produce.
Although it will be a challenge for fast fashion brands, the implementation of the measures is planned for the next five years. Under the measures, fashion companies will have to collect an amount of textile waste equivalent to a certain percentage of their production or pay a fee for the collection work of local authorities. The amount will gradually increase every few years, depending on Reuters.
Last month, EU governments agreed that the destruction of unsold textiles should be banned to encourage more reuse and recycling, it reported. Reuters. By 2030, the EU aims for fashion companies to produce more durable pieces that can be more easily reused and recycled. It is also working on regulations that would limit fashion brands’ use of sustainability claims to promote clothing.
Meanwhile, in May, it was announced that Chinese fashion label Shein would return to India after three years and partner with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd.
Along with intellectual property infringement and violation of labor laws, Shein, one of the biggest fast fashion brands, has been sued multiple times for environmental damage. According Time, the company produces 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This number falls well short of the 45% target to reduce global carbon emissions by 2030.
