In response to the growing diversity of legislation underway in the European Union, CENIT has launched the initiative “ModaPortugal Circular,” focused on the sustainability of the textile sector. This project includes a cycle of 12 talks aimed at raising awareness and fostering discussion on new sustainability guidelines.
Our company attended, represented by our Commercial Director, Catarina Costa, the “talk2″, which addressed the European Union Sustainability Directives.
During this session, Rosa Maia, a consultant and trainer from CITEVE, emphasized the urgency with which the sector must respond to climate change and its effects. According to her, “climate change and its effects, including extreme phenomena, have affected not only supply chains but also the future of business.” She also emphasized the increase in global fiber production, which has nearly doubled since 2000 and is expected to continue growing until 2030. “The fact that we consume has environmental impacts because we use natural resources, but we also use land and end up consuming water,” she explained.
Furthermore, Rosa Maia highlighted that managing the end-of-life of textile products is crucial, as these products generate significant waste. In terms of carbon footprint, the amount of CO2 emitted is alarming, at around 270 kilograms per product.
The European Commission has established a strategy for sustainability in the textile sector, introducing rules for ecodesign and the digital passport, with regulations published in 2024. Companies must also comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will require, starting in 2026, the preparation of annual reports on environmental performance for large companies. Rosa Maia believes that “sooner or later, small and medium-sized enterprises will also have this obligation,” highlighting that many already conduct sustainability reports voluntarily to meet the requirements of customers and banking entities.
According to Rosa Maia, the textile sector is entering a new era, with European legislation imposing strict measures, from the design of sustainable products to waste management. Companies need to adapt quickly, adjusting their information systems and practices to comply with these new legal requirements. “We have many challenges ahead,” she states.
The textile sector is on the brink of a significant transformation driven by new directives from the European Union, which impose new obligations on companies in the sector. Sustainability, already a central theme in discussions about the future of fashion, will gain even more relevance with the introduction of new legal requirements that encompass everything from publishing sustainability reports to implementing digital passports for products.
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The Sustainability Report will be one of the main tools for promoting greater transparency and environmental and social responsibility within companies. This report will allow consumers and business partners to assess the ecological impact of each company, forcing brands to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices throughout their entire value chain.
Another significant change will be the introduction of the Digital Product Passport, a new measure that will facilitate tracking and transparency regarding the materials and manufacturing process of each textile item. This passport will allow consumers, regulators, and brands to follow the lifecycle of each product, from its creation to its eventual recycling or disposal, promoting more conscious and responsible consumption.
These changes not only encourage greater corporate responsibility but also pave the way for a future where the circular economy will be a reality. The transition to a more sustainable industry will bring challenges, but also opportunities for innovation for companies that are willing to adapt and lead this movement.
We have a challenging path ahead!
PerformancebyHM
Source: Portugal Têxtil