Ministers of member states of the European Union (EU) have confirmed an initiative to oppose fast fashion by introducing a requirement to produce more durable clothes and prohibiting the destruction of unsold goods.
EU member states competition ministers met in Brussels on Monday, the 22nd of May, to approve European Commission’s plan to prohibit the destruction of textile goods, footwear and other unsold consumer goods.
The EU wants to reduce the impact on the environment from clothes and accessories that were produced but never used, especially since the rapid spread of internet stores.
Information compiled by the EU indicates that textile goods have the fourth highest environmental impact in 27 member states after food, dwellings and transports.
Medium-sized companies will have a four-year exemption from this prohibition, but smaller companies will have a general exemption.
New rules provide stricter requirements to make products “more durable, reliable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and easily maintained,”
EU ministers note.
New rules will come into force after negotiations with EU member states and the European Parliament.
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