What are labels for?

The labels on textiles are the main source of information that helps consumers take their decisions.

There is currently a Revision of the Textile labelling Regulation at the European level. Its main goal is to reinforce the information for consumers, especially on the environmental aspect and implication of textile products.

The current situation

Companies are only required to disclose the fibre composition of their textile products.

The mentions of how to wash clothes and the origine with the “made in” indication are often voluntary and since no regulation applies to it, unsubstantiated.

What does this revision mean?

This is the opportunity to compel companies to provide consumers with better and more relevant information such as:  

• Warnings about microplastic shedding and label synthetic clothing as plastic.

As a quick reminder: the textile industry accounts for 1.35% of global oil consumption (= Spain's consumption)Therefore, clarity is key here. Consumers must know that they are essentially wearing plastic in a time where we are continuously advocating to reduce our use of it.

• Better indication of where recycled content comes from: post-industrial textile waste, post-consumer textile waste, or post-consumer waste from other product streams (i.e. plastic bottles). Which don’t all have the same value in terms of circular economy.

• Better information on the origin of animal products, relating to the species and production methods.

• Provide the month and year of production, therefore allowing authorities to gather data on volumes which companies refuse to disclose at 88% according to the Fashion Industry Index. This would give us all more visibility on the speed of throughput from production, purchase, to disposal.

• Harmonised product care symbols with information on repair techniques and services.

• Information on the legal guarantee of a product.

• The disclosure of harmful substances in textile products, including dye, finishes and coats.

• Information on the various manufacturing stages that happen in different countries and regions. This would ideally be accompanied by information on the manufacturers, their facility and workers policy in relation to living wages...

An exemption should be considered to protect upcycling and social enterprises in the reuse sector.

This Revision is part of a wider effort to regulate the sector, with the Waste Framework Directive Revision, the ESPR and the process to instore the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textiles. The DPP would be an extension of the Label, allowing more comprehensive information for consumers and traceability in the sector, especially after the use phase, supporting sorting and reuse, or recycling activities.

All these could represent a lot of essential data for civil society but also other stakeholders in the sector (collectors, sorters, recyclers) as well as for the PROs in the new harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles which will be set up as part of the revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

What's the timeline?

A legislative proposal is expected before the end of 2024 on this Revision. Although the elections might postpone this agenda.

How can you participate?

These type of legislation changes are open to public consultation.

Anyone can answer these consultation forms and the more answers they get the better, as it will influence the legislative process that will follow.

The consultation for this revision is now closed but you can subscribe to our textile newsletter, and you’ll be informed of any updates with national and European policy on textiles as well as any new consultation/action you could take part in

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