The inclusion of fibre content is a legal requirement on labels for textile products globally (except in Switzerland). As we know, the standard format involves listing fibre content in descending order.
Only fibres from the approved fibre list are permitted, and brand names can be used in conjunction with the approved fibre names.
Here’s what we know so far:
As an integral element of the EU’s sustainable and circular textiles strategy, there is an ongoing effort to revise EU Regulation 1007/2011. The objective is to achieve a consistent implementation of the regulation throughout the EU.
The revision is currently in the consultation phase, and it is anticipated to come into effect in the later part of 2024.
1) New Fibre Names.
The new EU textile labelling Regulation will change the process to update the fibres list, making it simpler, quicker and more open to fibre development.
The names must still reflect the material from which the fibre is made, not the process for manufacture.
2) Fibre Tolerances.
With the revision, tolerance rules will increase, at 15% for recycled fibre products to allow for fluctuations due to the blending of new and old fibres.
3) Addition of Leather & Fur.
The EU does not have a current regulation for leather or fur labelling. With the updated Regulation, leather and fur labelling will include the animal origin of the leather/fur, and terms such as ‘faux leather’ and ‘faux fur’ will be addressed.
4) Care Information.
Care information is not mandatory across the EU, though 10 member states have their own national regulations. It is proposed that care information is mandatory in the revised Regulation, potentially with the Ginetex care symbols (ISO 2758).
5) QR codes.
To reduce the amount of information on physical labels, the revised Regulation will consider the use of QR codes. However, fibre content and care information may still need to remain in printed form.
6) Recycled Fibre.
The existing Regulation 1007/2011 does not mandate the inclusion to name recycled fibres in fibre composition. It is proposed that naming recycled content is voluntary, though it must meet the definition developed for the Ecodesign Regulation. In time, a formal definition to this regulation will be developed – ensuring consumers can opt for textiles with a lower carbon footprint, and prevent green washing.
Source: ukft.org
