Green claims and textile recycling rules

Environmental claims

• Directive (EU) 2024/825 applies from 27 September 2026.
• Vague claims such as "eco-friendly", "green" or "sustainable" without proof are banned.
• Sustainability labels must be based on a certification scheme or set by public authorities.
• Claims about the whole product cannot be based on only one part of it.

Separate collection of textiles

Since 1 January 2025, EU countries must organise separate collection of used textiles.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR)

• The revised Waste Framework Directive requires every EU country to set up EPR schemes for textiles.
• Brands that place clothing on the market will pay fees towards collection and recycling.
• Some countries, such as France, already have schemes in place; others will follow over the next few years.