The EU is ready to help the US ‘reach the same level of ambition’ in terms of developing and enforcing fashion legislation to slow the effect of climate change but the task needs to be addressed as a matter of ‘urgency’.
Javier Sancho, head of global issues and innovation at the European Union Delegation to the United States, said during the Global Fashion Agenda in Boston that the EU is prepared to assist the US in creating its fashion legislation.
It may be claimed that “the EU is a few steps ahead,” he claims, but the EU thinks the fashion industry should address problems in a “transatlantic” way and that “the relationship between the EU and the US is of the utmost importance.” He continues, “We stand ready to help the US.”
By 2030, the EU wants all textiles sold on its market to be recyclable, replaceable, and long-lasting.
The regulation aims to stop “greenwashing,” lessen textile waste and unsold inventory, and manage microplastics accidentally released from synthetic fabrics.
According to him, the design of a product determines 80% of its impact, so the EU believes that eco-design is the best way to address this issue while also lowering the presence of dangerous compounds and the discharge of microplastics.
Sancho emphasises that about half of the environmental claims provided by the apparel, footwear, and textile industries are either false or deceptive.
The EU thinks legislation is required to ensure that environmental claims are supported and verified and to guarantee fair competition throughout the industry. The EU anticipates that this legislation will increase producers’ incentives to create circular products.
