Most of the final clothing and household textiles consumed in Europe are imported from third countries. In 2019, the EU was one of the largest global importers of clothing with a combined value of EUR 80 billion. Promoting greener and fairer value chains across borders and continents will ensure that textile products consumed in the EU and beyond are manufactured taking into consideration both social and environmental aspects across the globe.

The Communication on decent work worldwide for a global just transition and a sustainable recovery identifies textiles as a key sector where decent work conditions will be promoted through outreach in bilateral relations and multilateral fora. In this context, the textile industry has the potential to advance gender equality as it is estimated that 75% of global garment workers are women. In addition, in the framework of the Better Work Programme, the Commission supports third partner countries in improving working conditions and increasing the compliance with international labour standards. 

In the context of textile value chains, the OECD due diligence guidance for the garment and footwear sector has identified a number of common risks of serious human and labour rights violations, including child labour, discrimination, forced labour, occupational health and safety concerns, and unfair wages. The proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, introduces a horizontal due diligence obligation for big companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, bring to an end and account for actual and potential adverse  impacts on human rights, including labour rights, and the environment  in companies’ own operations and across their global value chains. Midcaps (large companies with more than 250 employees and over EUR 40 million turnover) active in high-impact sectors, including textiles, are also within its scope. Third country companies involved in textile value chains of European buyers, or large buyers operating in the EU, that generate significant turnover in the EU, will also have to meet such obligations. Furthermore, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child underlines the “zero tolerance towards child labour” and calls on EU Member States to free their supply chains of child labour. The Commission is also preparing a new legislative initiative to effectively prohibit the placing on the EU market of products made by forced labour, including forced child labour.

In addition, the on-going development and implementation of an international framework on transparency and traceability for sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear industry will facilitate the management of value chains more effectively, identify and address labour and human rights violations and environmental impacts.

Source: European Comission

• Why is EU introducing Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (EUSSCT)?
• What are objectives of EUSSCT?
• What are key actions of EUSSCT?
• Key actions for sustainable and circular textiles: Introducing mandatory Ecodesign requirements?
• Key actions for sustainable and circular textiles: Stopping the destruction of unsold or returned textiles?