From Policy to Practice: Understanding the EU Green Deal's path to a responsible fashion future

The EU Green Deal is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling climate change and creating a more sustainable future. It's all about transitioning to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For the fashion industry, this presents a transformative opportunity to redefine its role in achieving these ambitious goals.

In this article, we delve into the key goals and objectives established by the EU in its adoption of the EU Green Deal, outlining the impacts and benefits for both people and planet. Specifically, we examine how the fashion industry can integrate circular business models such as upcycling, recycling, and repair to align with these objectives.

We also explore the potential challenges that fashion businesses (like yours) may face, including balancing cost efficiency with sustainability and rethinking supply chain processes. Finally, we’ll outline actionable steps the fashion sector must take to overcome these hurdles, ensure compliance, and thrive in a more responsible future.

The first proposal for the EU Green Deal emerged in December 2019, comprising a climate law aimed at developing the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This extensive strategy also tackles issues related to biodiversity, pollution, innovation, public and private finance, ensuring a fair transition, and trade.

Since then, the European Commission has adopted a strict set of proposals to make the EU’s climate, energy, transport and taxation policies fit for achieving the following goals:

The EU Green Deal applies to a wide array of companies operating within the European Union, spanning various industries and sectors.

It includes businesses involved in

• Energy production and distribution,
• Transportation,
• Manufacturing (Fashion & Textiles)
• Construction,
• Agriculture,
• Food processing, among others.

Additionally, companies engaged in industries with significant environmental impacts, such as waste management and resource extraction, are also subject to the regulations outlined in the EU Green Deal.

Moreover, the regulations’ scope extends beyond traditional industries to encompass financial institutions, investors, and businesses involved in international trade. Essentially, any company operating within the EU that has the potential to affect the environment or contribute to climate change is applicable to the regulations and initiatives outlined in the EU Green Deal.

The EU Green Deal serves as an umbrella under which more specific laws and regulations fall. The regulations include initiatives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Proposed with the main objective to align with the goals outlined in the EU Green Deal, these regulations are designed to facilitate the transition to climate neutrality and a circular economy.

To learn more about how to comply with these individual laws and regulations; read our blog 'Fashion's new EU laws & regulations: Get ready to implement sustainability!’.

The EU Green Deal presents many advantages in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainability. Some include;

However, the EU Green Deal also faces certain challenges and drawbacks, these include;

• Major investment in infrastructure, technology and workforce which could strain financial resources and budgets.
• It requires significant coordination among EU members which may be challenging given diverse national interests and priorities.
• And its costs and benefits may not be distributed equally among different socioeconomic groups.

Despite these challenges, the EU Green Deal remains a vital initiative for promoting sustainability and combating climate change within Europe.

We hope our exploration of the EU Green Deal has shed light on its pivotal role in addressing climate change, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainability across Europe. Through its comprehensive framework, the Green Deal offers promising opportunities to mitigate environmental degradation and create a greener, more prosperous future for all - and we're excited to see what it delivers!

As we navigate the complexities of environmental legislation and regulation, we invite you to explore
our services tailored to support compliance and adaptation to the forever evolving legal landscape. To learn more about how we can assist your business in navigating EU laws and regulations, click HERE!

Additionally, don't forget to check out our Instagram reels highlighting key insights on the EU Green Deal Part 1 & Part 2, providing bite-sized content for easy understanding.

Together, let's embrace the opportunities presented by the EU Green Deal and work towards a sustainable future.

References :

1. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
2. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/green-deal/
3. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/delivering-european-green-deal_en