Photo: Pexels/Andrea PiacquadioThere is currently enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next six generations of the human race, according to research by the British Fashion Council. Europe tries to introduce new rules to protect the environment, the most polluting brands such as H&M, Zara and Amazon
The European Union has been struggling for years to reduce the destructive influence of fast fashion. The European Parliament voted today on the subject of the Report on the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Recyclable Textile Products. As part of the new ecodesign rules, a ban on the destruction of unsold goods is being negotiated.
"Clothing production has doubled from 2000 to 2015, and product durability has decreased by a third. This, among other things, led to the fact that an incredible 11 kg of clothing per person is thrown away annually, and the clothing items are worn on average only 7-8 times", said Croatian MEP Biljana Borzan from the perspective of the Consumer Protection Committee.
She said that such a situation is unsustainable and that, among other things, the Report calls for the introduction of a digital declaration through which it will be easy to find out relevant data about the product: for example, where and when it was made, what materials it is made of, and whether it can be recycled.
H&M and Zara and Amazon burn unsold goods
The report calls for a Union-wide ban on the burning of unsold and returned textile goods. Until now, large amounts of surplus and unsalable inventory, as well as returns, have led to the destruction of fully usable textile products.
"Currently, a ban on the destruction of unsold goods is being negotiated as part of the new rules on eco-design. Brands that are associated with such practice are H&M and Zara, as well as Amazon due to the increase in online trade, but also luxury brands such as Burberry in order to maintain the high prices of their products. According to some estimates, seven billion euros worth of unsold goods are destroyed annually in Germany alone," says Borzan.
Fast fashion is also destroying the oceans
Borzan explains that due to the "fast food" way of functioning of the fashion industry, up to 35 percent of global microplastics released into the oceans originate from synthetic textile products, and between 200.000 and 500.000 tons enter the global marine environment every year.
Dealing with companies that hide data
The European Union also hopes to crack down on companies that mislead consumers with false claims that their products protect the environment.
They also want to prevent the practice of green washing, that some companies, when advertising their products, emphasize their ecological characteristics, while keeping silent about those that harm the environment.
Manufacturers will have to ensure that the clothes they make are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Tthey should also inform customers more about how to reuse, repair and recycle their clothes.
Only one percent of recycled clothing in the world
It is estimated that less than one percent of all clothing in the world is recycled.
Prema according to the data of the European Environment Agency, the clothing industry in Europe has the fourth largest impact on the environment and climate, surpassed only by food, housing and transport.
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