The focus in the textile industry is shifting rapidly towards ecodesign – and with good reason. With the new Ecodesign Regulation (EU 2024/1781), manufacturers and retailers face a profound transformation that makes sustainable product design mandatory. A recent study by the Öko-Institut, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and Hof University of Applied Sciences, commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency, concludes that companies must act now to meet regulatory requirements and remain competitive in the long term.
In future, the focus will be on binding criteria such as durability, reparability, recyclability, the use of recycled materials, and transparent handling of chemical substances. In concrete terms, this means that textile products including T-shirts, jeans and functional jackets must be designed to be significantly more durable. Aspects such as dimensional stability, colour fastness, fabric resilience and abrasion resistance are becoming measurable quality standards that determine market access and compliance. Retailers, in turn, must prepare for changes to their product ranges – moving away from fast-moving mass-produced goods towards high-quality, sustainable products with a longer lifespan.
Ecodesign as a competitive advantage
Durability is particularly relevant as a key criterion for environmental sustainability. The longer textiles can be used, the smaller their ecological footprint. This has a direct impact on design, material selection and quality assurance throughout the entire supply chain. Companies must adapt their product development accordingly whilst simultaneously refining their testing and evaluation procedures.
Another key point is reparability. In future, manufacturers will be required to make spare parts such as zips or buttons available, provide repair instructions and, ideally, cooperate with repair services. This opens up a new business area for retailers: services relating to repair, care and extending product lifespan are becoming important differentiating factors in the competitive landscape.
Recyclability is also becoming a decisive factor. Monomaterials or clearly defined material combinations are gaining in importance, whilst complex blended fabrics are becoming increasingly problematic. Requirements regarding recycled content also demand a transparent and traceable supply chain. Manufacturers must align their procurement and production accordingly, whilst retailers must pay closer attention to origin and material information in order to meet the increasing information obligations.
Particular attention must also be paid to so-called SVHC substances and effect chemicals. Transparency requirements are rising significantly: information on ingredients, their properties and effects must be available throughout the entire product lifecycle. This applies not only to production, but also to sales, communication and, ultimately, interaction with the end customer.
Sustainability is becoming the new standard
The direction is clear: a structural transformation is imminent for manufacturers and retailers – but with it come new opportunities. Those who embrace ecodesign, transparent supply chains and circular business models early on will secure competitive advantages, strengthen their brand and proactively meet upcoming regulatory requirements. Now is therefore the right time to prepare.
Do you have questions about ecodesign of textiles? Anika May from trade-e-bility is happy to assist you with any enquiries regarding this subject. Simply send us an email with your urgent questions.
