1. Mandatory return of worn clothing from 2025
What? Clothing brands will have to pay for the collection of their worn-out products. Textile waste must be collected separately. It also becomes much more difficult to export textile waste to low-income countries.
What will I notice? At best, designers try to make more sustainable, high-quality clothes in more direct contact with the customer (via pre-sale orders, custom fashion and so on). A less favorable scenario is that fashion companies pass on the collection costs via more expensive clothes. Or they reward customers who return used clothes themselves with a check. Such a system may dry up the supply to second-hand stores, which would then be left with the lowest quality. That could be a blow to the local and social economy.
2.’Ecodesign’ from the end of 2026
What? Ecodesign encourages companies to work circularly. It means (in this case) that fashion is made with fewer materials and more biodegradable materials with lower CO₂ emissions, or that the collections are repairable. Those who score well on all criteria will pay less for the mandatory collection of textile waste.
What will I notice? Shop corners for clothing repair or rental will no longer be exceptional. There can be a lot of promotion around new types of fibers made from agricultural waste, for example. Collections based on recycled materials may become more popular. It is still uncertain whether an independent organization will also vigorously monitor companies for their eco-design.
3. Mandatory share of recycled fibers in collections
What? In the Netherlands, the percentage of recycled fibers is set at 25 percent from 2025. Other Member States will follow.
What will I notice? Recycled fashion may look different and possibly be more expensive. But it does have an enormously positive impact on the planet, if only because it saves a lot of water and agricultural land.
4. Digital product passport from 2027
What? A digital label that tells customers which farm the material for their garment was sourced from, how much chemicals, water and other materials were used, and how to best care for a piece.
What will I notice? Anyone who scans the QR code can get full transparency. The more ethical and environmentally conscious brands will look to improve their relationships with subcontractors in Asia and play that up in their advertising. The most crucial effect is probably that Europe, when it can compare all that data, can gradually set higher minimum requirements. It is an open question whether a company like the Chinese clothing online store Shein, which offers little transparency about its suppliers, is still allowed on the European market.
5. Duty of precaution
What? Companies become liable for human rights violations or environmental problems deeper in their supply chains. A company risks fines up to ten years after the facts.
What will I notice? The legislation will likely have its greatest effect once a major case comes against a company. But in theory it raises standards for all brands, including those that are currently heavily polluting and exploiting. This may be an opportunity for more market share for fashion companies that consciously produce in Europe.
6. Right to recovery
What? The European consumer has been given the legal right to “feasible” recovery of his purchase. The first sector to comply is electronics, but textiles could become a target later.
What will I notice about this? Future legislation may provide a boost for sewing workshops and cobblers, and companies will provide more replacement parts.
7. Ban on destruction of new clothes and shoes from 2025
What? Fashion companies or online stores may not burn surpluses or new, returned goods or throw them in the trash.
What will I notice? Online stores may tighten the rules on returns or it may become more expensive. This can also encourage brands to create sought-after, high-quality fashion.
8. Influencers tackled
What? Clothing brands like to use influencers to sell clothes. Vloggers rarely come clean about such deals. As a result, many surfers do not realize that they are not just seeing a well-dressed person, but are watching paid advertising.
What will I notice? From 2024, the Commission will increase checks on influencers. We will probably only notice this when the first big name is fined for unfair business practices.
9. False ‘green’ claims discouraged
What? Companies that call their product “sustainable” will have to substantiate this with facts. All fashion companies on the European market must measure the life cycle of their clothes using the same scientifically based method.
What will I notice? It will become much easier to compare brands, especially if the information is included on a digital passport.
