For the textile industry to transition to a circular economy, careful planning and clear strategies are required. The EU is developing a strategic framework called the “Transition Pathway for the textile ecosystem.” This policy adds several regulations and initiatives aimed at promoting circularity, as well as sustainability and resilience in the textile industry. In this blog, we will look at some of the regulations and initiatives being put into place to support the textile industry’s transition to a circular economy.
Eco-design and Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
The ESPR aims to ensure that products, including textiles, are designed with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. The goal is to create textiles that are durable, energy-efficient, and more environmentally friendly, while promoting a circular economy.
The ESPR works towards this aim by focusing on the design and production stages of a garment. It encourages the integration of sustainability within the product lifecycle, as well as considering resource efficiency, durability, and overall environmental impact.
The regulation encourages the development of PPE clothing and workwear that is easier to repair, recycle and repurpose. This, in turn, reduces waste and resource consumption.
Furthermore, the ESPR seeks to improve recyclability by encouraging manufacturers to design products with end-of-life in mind. This can include selecting materials that are easy to recycle, avoiding mixed-material designs that can complicate recycling, and facilitating disassembly for easier material recovery.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Where the ESPR focuses on the design and production stages of a garment, EPR focuses more heavily on the end-of-life stage.
It aims to restrict the export of textile waste and promote sustainable textiles globally, particularly in regards to minimising landfill usage. Under the EPR, the cost and responsibility for waste management shifts from the end-user to producers and importers. The goal is to minimise waste and enhance recycling. The producer/importer bears the responsibility to collect the clothing and set up systems for reuse and/or remanufacturing.
EPR is already in effect in many parts of the EU, and adoption into national laws for all member countries must be completed by 2025 at the latest.
Transparency and information disclosure
The EU’s eco-design framework requires considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material extraction through production, use, and end-of-life disposal. This holistic approach helps identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact at each stage.
Regulations promoting transparency throughout the textile supply chain are in continuous development. This may involve requiring companies to disclose sourcing practices, quality standards, labour conditions, and environmental impact.
Upcoming regulations may introduce Digital Product Passports (DPP) for textiles. The DPP is an exciting new initiative introduced under the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to enhance transparency, traceability, and circularity in the textile industry. Although detailed guidelines are still being finalised, the DPP will serve as a digital record providing key information on each textile product, including workwear and PPE.
With a DPP, end-users will have access to comprehensive data about a garment, such as its model, producer, size, colour, and the origin of raw materials used. It will also include environmental impact indicators — such as greenhouse gas emissions, chemical and water usage — along with instructions for use, care, and recycling. The DPP represents a shift toward greater accountability and sustainability in textiles, providing a clearer view of a product's life from production to end-of-life recycling.
Keen to find out more?
For more information about the regulations and initiatives being put into place to support the textile industry’s transition to a circular economy, feel free to get in touch — our team will be happy to discuss and answer any questions you may have.
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