Textile consumption in the European Union is on the rise. In 2019, the average consumption per person was 17 kg, and by 2022 it had reached 19 kg per person—enough to fill a large suitcase with clothes. At the same time, 12 kg of clothing per person is discarded in the EU each year.
The EU is introducing legislation to reduce textile waste and increase the lifespan and recyclability of textile products. Improving the durability of fashion items is part of efforts to build a circular economy by 2050.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the constant supply of new styles at very low prices. Its growth has led to increased clothing consumption, partly driven by social media and the rapid introduction of new trends by the industry. This has resulted in significant increases in production and disposal of textile products.
Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion – Key Data
Excessive Use of Natural Resources
Textile production requires large amounts of water and land for growing cotton and other fibers. Producing a single cotton t-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of freshwater—enough for a person to drink over two and a half years. In 2022, textile production required, on average per person, 333 m² of land, 12 m³ of water, and 523 kg of raw materials.
Water Pollution
Textile production is responsible for about 20% of global freshwater pollution, mainly due to dyeing processes. Washing synthetic textiles releases more than half a million tons of microplastic fibers into the ocean each year, posing risks to human health, animals, and ecosystems near factories. Most microplastics are released during the first few washes of clothing, and mass production, low prices, and high sales volumes mean more garments go through initial washing cycles. A single load of polyester clothes can release 700,000 microplastic fibers, which may enter the food chain.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Textile production and consumption contribute to climate change. According to the European Environment Agency, in 2022, textile purchases in the EU generated approximately 355 kg of CO₂ emissions per person, equivalent to a 1,800 km journey in a standard petrol-powered car.
Clothing Disposal and Recycling
How people dispose of unwanted clothes is also changing—more items are thrown away instead of donated. Between 4% and 9% of all textile products sold in the EU are destroyed without ever being used. Less than half of unwanted clothes are collected for reuse and recycling, and only 1% are turned into new garments. Part of the reason is that technologies for recycling fabrics into new textiles are only now becoming available. While used clothes can be exported outside the EU, most (87%) are incinerated or landfilled.
EU Legislative Measures for a Sustainable Fashion Industry
EU Strategy for a Sustainable Textile Sector
In March 2022, the European Commission presented a new strategy for more sustainable textile products that can be reused, repaired, and recycled. The strategy sets new requirements for eco-design, clearer product information, and increased corporate responsibility for carbon emissions and environmental impact. Several legislative acts have been adopted based on this strategy.
EU Measures to Reduce Textile Waste
In September 2025, the European Parliament approved new rules requiring EU countries to implement schemes obliging manufacturers of clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, blankets, bed linen, and curtains to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling their products. These schemes may also apply to mattress producers. Extended producer responsibility schemes will cover online sales and manufacturers not registered in the EU, with micro-enterprises granted an extra year to comply. The rules amend the existing Waste Framework Directive, mandating that from January 2025, EU countries must collect textile items separately for reuse and recycling.
Eco-Design Regulation
In 2024, the European Parliament adopted a new eco-design regulation, which requires products to be designed to minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. It covers various sectors, including fashion, and introduces minimum standards for product durability, repairability, energy efficiency, and recyclability.
Ban on Destruction of Unsold Clothing
The eco-design regulation requires large companies to report the number of unsold items they destroy each year and the reasons for it. From 2026, destroying unsold clothes, shoes, and accessories will be prohibited in the EU.
Ban on Misleading Environmental Claims
Many products are labeled “natural,” “eco,” or “environmentally friendly” without verified evidence. In 2024, the European Parliament passed legislation banning general environmental claims without proof.
EU Eco-Label – Certification for Good Environmental Practices
The EU Eco-Label is a mark that producers can place on products if they meet strict environmental criteria, highlighting items that cause less pollution to water and air.
