Euratex
(Source: Euratex)
The European Parliament (EP) has adopted its Report on an EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. The report wants to step up the EU’s ambition towards sustainability and circularity even further, but according to Euratex it has failed to recognize the strategic role of the European textile industry to scale up sustainability, nor to appreciate the global competitive threat which these companies are facing.
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex), Brussels/Belgium, supports the EU Textile Strategy, as it was presented over a year ago by the European Commission. The 160,000 European textile companies it represents are committed to invest in sustainability, develop new circular business models and produce high quality textile products – not just in fashion, but also in home and medical textiles, construction, agriculture or cars. To do so, a new regulatory framework is indeed needed, with clear definitions, coherent rules and effective controls. However, it should also be ensured that companies can actually manage to comply with these rules and remain globally competitive.
»We welcome the strong interest of the European Parliament in the textile and fashion industry, but encourage MEPs to develop a balanced vision which reconciles sustainability and competitiveness.«
According to Euratex, the EP report has failed to respect that balance between sustainability and competitiveness. Instead, it suggests even more rules and restrictions, totally disregarding the current economic challenges caused by high energy prices, loss in consumer confidence and assertive trade partners. Putting the bar even higher will simply mean that the European textile industry will be pushed out of the market, resulting in a bigger environmental footprint and increased dependency on foreign supplies. Quite the opposite of what the EU wants to achieve with its open strategic autonomy plans.
The Report puts a strong responsibility on the supply side – the industry and the brands – and does not sufficiently address the role of the consumer.
Initiatives are therefore needed to create a stronger demand for sustainable textiles, which includes better communication and transparency (avoid greenwashing), fiscal measures, green public procurement and better control of online marketplaces.
On a positive note, the EP report does recognize the importance to invest in research and innovation, to support reskilling and upskilling, the need of scaling up circular economy and pay attention to the needs of SMEs. Euratex has always insisted that such massive transition can only be successful if accompanied by significant and dedicated support programs. The EU Textiles Transition Pathway should offer a clear perspective in this regard.
