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Impact of EU Legislation on Small Fashion and Apparel Producers

The EU's new strategy for sustainable textiles will introduce a number of changes to the fashion industry that will significantly impact small producers of fashion and apparel. Here's a breakdown of the potential impacts:

Challenges for Small Producers:

  • Increased Costs: The new regulations, particularly the Ecodesign requirements for durability, recyclability, and recycled content, may increase production costs for small producers. They might have to invest in new technologies, source different materials, and adapt their manufacturing processes.

How to prepare for the new EU legislation

Here are some administrative and human resource measures smaller producers can take to prepare for the new EU legislation:

  • Compliance and Legal Expertise: Smaller producers might need to invest in administrative roles or consult with legal experts specializing in EU environmental and product regulations. This expertise can help them understand the specific requirements of the legislation, including those related to ecodesign, material use, labeling, and the Digital Product Passport, and ensure their operations remain compliant.

How does the EU plan to reduce the destruction of unsold or returned textiles?

Here are some ways the EU plans to reduce the destruction of unsold or returned textiles:

  • Transparency Obligation: The EU intends to implement a transparency obligation that requires large companies to publicly disclose the number of unsold or returned products they discard and destroy, including textiles. This disclosure must also include details about how these discarded products are handled, such as whether they are prepared for reuse, recycled, incinerated, or sent to landfills. This measure aims to disincentivize the destruction of unsold textiles by increasing transparency and promoting accountability within the industry.

The Myth of Sustainable Fashion

Few industries tout their sustainability credentials more forcefully than the fashion industry. But the sad truth is that despite high-profile attempts at innovation, it’s failed to reduce its planetary impact in the past 25 years. Most items are still produced using non-biodegradable petroleum-based synthetics and end up in a landfill. So what can be done? New ESG strategies such as the use of bio-based materials, recycling, and “rent-the-runway” concepts have failed. Instead, we must stop thinking about sustainability as existing on a spectrum. Less unsustainable is not sustainable. And governments need to step in to force companies to pay for their negative impact on the planet. The idea of “win-win” and market-based solutions has failed even in one of the most “progressive” industries

7 must-see sustainable black designers redefining fashion

Tracy Reese launched Hope for Flowers in 2019, aiming to empower women and make a positive social impact. The brand stands on three pillars: Conscious Design, Community Art in Detroit, and Partnerships. Using digital printing with OEKO-TEX-certified inks, Reese ensures that prints for her clothes are free from harmful chemicals. The brand embraces on-demand and small-batch production with organic and eco-friendly materials. The brand also contributes to community education through The Hope for Flowers Art enrichment program and engages in sustainable partnerships with Naturalizer, NEST, and Pottery Barn.

Vogue's ultimate guide to sustainable fashion

1. Buy less and buy better

It may be a cliche, but the mantra “buy less and buy better” is key when you consider that a staggering 100bn garments are being produced globally every year. Before making a purchase, sustainability consultancy Eco-Age’s chief brand officer Harriet Vocking advises that you ask yourself three all-important questions: “What are you buying and why? What do you really need? Will you wear it at least 30 times?”