Andrea Junge, B E L I E V E .
Introduction
The European Parliament, in conjunction with EU member states, has recently introduced new regulations aimed at tackling the fast fashion industry’s environmental impact. The European Economic Area (EEA) has prohibited the disposal of unsold clothing.
Background
Proposed by the European Commission a year prior, the new regulations set forth stricter product standards, emphasising longevity, repairability, and recyclability. This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing waste and fostering sustainable consumption practices.
Key Provisions
The legislation explicitly forbids the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear. It will take effect two years post-enactment, with medium-sized enterprises granted a six-year transition period. Notably, smaller businesses will be entirely exempt from the ban.
Small businesses are typically defined by the number of headcounts (i.e. below 50 headcounts) and either turnover or Balance Sheet (below EUR 10m turnover or Eur10m balance sheet.
Expanding Scope
The European Commission, acting as the EU’s executive body, holds the authority to extend this ban to encompass other unsold goods beyond clothing and footwear. This forward-thinking approach reflects the EU’s commitment to addressing broader sustainability challenges.
Empowering Consumers
In discussions within the European Union regarding product regulation and consumer transparency, there has been a proposal for goods to be accompanied by a ‘digital product passport,’ potentially in the form of a QR code, providing consumers with detailed information about the products they purchase.
This innovation empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions by providing detailed information about a product’s lifecycle and environmental footprint.
Corporate Accountability
Large corporations will be mandated to annually disclose their production waste levels and reasons behind such practices. The EU anticipates that this transparency will incentivise companies to adopt more sustainable manufacturing processes.
“The EU’s ban on clothing destruction – which has been rife for too long – is a significant move towards positive regulative action for a more sustainable fashion industry”
Christina Dean, CEO The R Collective
Parliamentary Advocacy
Member of the European Parliament Alessandra Moretti, a driving force behind the legislation, asserted, “It’s time to terminate the ‘take, make, dispose’ paradigm, which poses significant harm to our planet, health, and economy.”
Moretti stressed the importance of designing products that prioritise environmental conservation and benefit all stakeholders.
“It’s time to terminate the ‘take, make, dispose’ paradigm, which poses significant harm to our planet, health, and economy”
– Alessandra Moretti
Enhancing Durability Standards
Under the new regulations, essential consumer goods such as clothing, furniture, mattresses and electronics will be subject to specific durability requirements. “This initiative will drive consumer goods companies to reinvent and redesign their products in a more circular manner. This shift will not only benefit consumers and our planet but also cultivate innovation and long-term thinking within these firms, thus ensuring their future sustainability.
Corporate Accountability
Large corporations will be mandated to annually disclose their production waste levels and reasons behind such practices. The EU anticipates that this transparency will incentivise companies to adopt more sustainable manufacturing processes.
Conclusion
The EU’s endorsement of this ban represents a significant milestone in the global effort to combat fast fashion and promote environmental stewardship.
By prioritising product durability, transparency, and accountability, these regulations signal a shift towards more sustainable consumption practices in the fashion industry and beyond.
A sustainable company would view the EU ban on clothing disposal as beneficial due to its alignment with environmental responsibility, promotion of a circular economy, enhancement of consumer perception, and stimulation of innovation opportunities.
Read the full report by the European Commission on “Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation” here
