We are currently in a whirlwind of European Union legislation and regulation development. Over 30 new legislative initiatives for sustainable business practices will come into force in the EU until 2028. The textile sector has been in focus in public discussions, but the legislative packages will apply to all types of consumer goods. The main difference between product groups is when the new regulation will be implemented and if a product group has specific considerations such as raw material sources, risk chemistry etc.
For outdoor brands, this means that a new base level for sustainability work will be established. Many of the sustainability efforts we have previously done voluntarily and sporadically will now become mandatory and followed up by authorities.
Many of the new legislations and regulations are linked to an overall strategy called EU Green Deal and a strategy/plan called The Circular Economy Action Plan. These are general, applicable to all product types. For textiles, they have been further specified in the EU Textiles Strategy.
You can find more information and some useful links in the SOG Sustainability News email from March 2023.