Eco-design rules edge closer
The European Parliament and Council negotiators have agreed on an update to the so-called eco-design regulation that aims to make products more durable and reliable, easier to reuse, upgrade, repair and recycle, saving resources, energy and water.
Footwear is among priority product groups that will need to adopt rules no later than nine months after the entry into force of the new legislation.
Negotiators agreed to ban the destruction of unsold footwear, apparel and accessories. This ban will apply two years after the entry into force of the law (although smaller companies will have more time to adapt). In the future, the European Commission may add additional categories to the list of unsold products for which a destruction ban will apply. Economic operators that destroy unsold goods would have to report annually the quantities of products they have discarded and give reasons why.
Another part of the legislation concerns digital “product passports”, which aim to 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.
An Italian member of the European Parliament, Alessandra Moretti, 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 manufacturers produce their goods.”
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union need to formally approve the agreement before it can come into force. The Council is an essential decision-making body in the European Union, comprising government ministers from each member state, who meet to discuss and approve new policies.
