Policy recommendation for accessible textile labels

Progress on the New Textile Labelling regulations ( TLR )

On 18 October 2024, we held the last session before the European Commission starts drafting the new textile labelling regulation.

We had the honour of joining policy makers and experts from the sector, in a space where each attendee could express their opinion and replicate ideas to enrich the final decision on the regulation.

During the session, we analysed in detail the document that the Commission shared with us beforehand: ‘Information note for final stakeholder consultations on the findings of the study in support of a joint impact assessment of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 on textile labelling’.

‘It was a unique experience,’ comments Rut, who had the opportunity to address the audience to underline the importance of clear and accessible labelling.

“We live in an ageing Europe, most citizens are outside the textile and fashion industry. Many do not distinguish between natural and synthetic fibres, they have limited knowledge of the subject. Consider that we buy once, but wash and wear it at least 30 times. Therefore, physical labelling must be maintained: relying on technology every time we wash a garment is not feasible. We need a physical label that provides key information that is legible and understandable for everyone, including older people and people with disabilities.”

The Commission has now compiled all the information from these consultations and is in the process of drafting the new regulation, which is expected to be adopted in the second quarter of 2025.