The strategy aims to create a more sustainable and circular textile industry in the EU by 2030. It seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry and promote the use of sustainable and circular textiles. In particular, the strategy places a focus on promoting the use of recycled textiles, such as apparel made from recycled polyester (rPET).
Recycled polyester (rPET) is a type of polyester that is made from recycled plastic bottles. rPET has a lower environmental impact compared to virgin polyester because it reduces the need for new petroleum-based resources and reduces the amount of plastic waste in the environment. It also results in usage of less water, energy and a lower carbon footprint.
While the EU 2030 strategy is a great step forward in promoting a sustainable future and in the long run will provide consumers with more sustainable choices, apparel companies will face both opportunities and challenges in the short run.
Benefits of the EU 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Textiles
Makes it easier for consumers to make sustainable choices
Consumers will find that they are able to make easier sustainable choices in purchase decisions since the strategy will enable an increase in the broader availability of sustainable textiles. In particular, the mandated requirement of recycled content in textiles will make available the far reaching benefits of recycling to the consumer.
Will drive availability of more environmentally friendly product
Awareness regarding what sustainability means for consumers is mostly vague today. The EU strategy will help bring clarity to the issues surrounding sustainability and raise awareness of the environmental impact of the textile industry. This will further promote the use of sustainable and circular textiles, leading to a greater demand for such products. The strategy, as part of its goals, will drive innovation and investment in the sustainable textile industry, resulting in the development of new and more environmentally friendly products.
Reduce environmental impact of the textile industry
In addition, the strategy will help to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry, as it will encourage the use of sustainable and circular textiles, such as recycled polyester (rPET). This will result in a reduction in the amount of waste generated by the industry, as well as a reduction in the use of petroleum-based resources.
This will help to create a more sustainable and circular textile industry, which will benefit the environment, the industry and the consumer. By promoting the use of sustainable and circular textiles, the industry will become more resilient to economic shocks related to environmental risks and less reliant on finite resources, while also reducing its environmental impact. Consumers benefit by the ability to participate in the drive to combat Climate Change in more affordable and accessible ways.
Impact for apparel manufacturing companies
The EU strategy will have a significant impact on apparel manufacturing companies. Here are a few ways the strategy will affect them:
Increased Pressure to Adopt Sustainable Practices
The EU strategy will increase pressure, through mandates, on apparel manufacturing companies to adopt sustainable practices, such as the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly production processes. The strategy also aims to place a check on greenwashing by validating green claims.
Competition
Companies that adopt sustainable practices will have a competitive advantage over those that do not. Companies that do not adapt to the new sustainability requirements will face increased competition from companies that are in compliance with the EU 2030 strategy. Over time, access to EU markets may become limited to compliant products.
Changes in Supply Chains
Companies will need to make changes to their supply chains to ensure they are sourcing materials and producing products in line with the EU 2030 strategy. This could include changes to the materials they use, the suppliers they work with, and the production processes they employ. The introduction of the Digital Product Passport will bring structure to the traceability of supply chains.
Opportunities for Innovation and Investment
The EU strategy will create opportunities for innovation and investment in the sustainable textile industry, including the development of new and more environmentally friendly products.
Potential Increased Costs in the Short term
Companies may face increased costs as they adopt sustainable practices and comply with the EU strategy. However, in the long term, these costs are likely to be outweighed by the benefits of a more sustainable and circular textile industry, such as reduced waste, lower energy and water usage, and a lower carbon footprint. As adoption increases worldwide, this will transform into the norm and not the exception.
GRS Certification: Helping companies align with the EU 2030 strategy
So how can companies embrace sustainability and embrace the EU 2030 strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. Getting certified with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification is one such way.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international certification for products made from recycled materials, including textiles. The GRS certification covers the entire supply chain, from the collection and processing of recycled materials to the manufacture and labelling of finished products. The certification ensures that products made from recycled materials meet strict social, environmental, and traceability requirements.
By obtaining GRS certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and their alignment with the EU 2030 strategy on sustainable textiles. Companies that hold GRS certification can use the certification logo on their products, providing customers with a clear and easily recognizable symbol of their commitment to sustainability.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification is one way that companies can align with the EU 2030 strategy on sustainable textiles. The certification provides a framework for ensuring that products made from recycled materials meet strict sustainability and traceability requirements, and demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
In conclusion, the EU 2030 strategy on sustainable textiles will have a significant impact on apparel manufacturing companies, creating both challenges and opportunities. Companies that embrace sustainable practices and comply with the EU 2030 strategy will have a competitive advantage, while companies that do not may struggle to remain competitive. The strategy will drive innovation and investment in the sustainable textile industry, leading to a more sustainable and circular textile industry for all, reducing its environmental impact.
References
EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/textiles-strategy_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20strategy%20for%20sustainable,plan%20and%20the%20industrial%20strategy.
Global Recycled Standard: https://textileexchange.org/recycled-claim-global-recycled-standard/
At Ecojay, our range of GRS Certified eco-friendly apparel enables you to dress fashionably while promoting sustainability. Our apparel is made from pre-consumer recycled cotton blended with post-consumer recycled polyester which reduces water usage by over 90% and uses 0% dyes in production.
