European Commission to seek feedback on new rules for textiles

The European Commission is set to launch a public consultation inviting industry stakeholders to share their views on the potential impact of upcoming European Union ecodesign rules and related sustainability measures for textile products. This step follows the completion of a preparatory study by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and signals upcoming regulatory changes for apparel and other textile products.

The consultation will centre on a technical framework that explains how future ecodesign requirements, green public procurement standards and the EU Ecolabel could influence environmental performance across the textile sector. Companies and other stakeholders will be able to submit feedback before the regulations are finalised, as EU officials aim to align environmental goals with the need to maintain economic competitiveness.

This consultation takes place within a wider effort by the EU to strengthen its regulatory approach to textiles, including the introduction of extended producer responsibility requirements. Under recently approved waste legislation, textile producers will be required to pay for the collection, sorting and recycling of textile waste, with EU Member States expected to introduce coordinated EPR systems within defined deadlines.

In parallel, the EU is updating product legislation to include digital tools such as digital product passports, designed to improve transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. The consultation is expected to remain open until early February, giving manufacturers, retailers and environmental groups the chance to shape future compliance rules.