The European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on revising the EU’s ecodesign framework for sustainable products.

The new “ecodesign” rules aim to make products last longer and be easier to repair, upgrade and recycle. Textiles (notably garments and footwear) have been identified as a priority product group for the first working plan to be adopted no later than nine months after the entry into force of the new legislation.

Digital “product passports” containing accurate and up-to-date information will enable consumers to make informed purchasing choices. According to the agreed text, the Commission will manage a public web portal allowing consumers to search and compare information included in product passports.

Negotiators agreed to specifically ban the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear, two years after the entry into force of the law (six years for medium-sized enterprises).

Alessandra Moretti from the European Parliament said: “It is time to end the model of “take, make, dispose” that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy. New products will be designed in a way that benefits all, respects our planet and protects the environment. Sustainable products will become the norm, allowing consumers to save energy, repair and make smart environmental choices when they are shopping. Banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear will also contribute to a shift in the way fast fashion manufactures produce their goods.”

Following the completion of work at technical level, Parliament and Council need to formally approve the agreement before it can come into force.

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