The focus: Austria's new ban against fashion destruction!

The focus: Austria's new ban against fashion destruction!

Österreich, Land - On April 10, 2025, significant applications for the national implementation of the EU Ecodesign Ordinance were dealt with in the environmental committee. These regulations aim to create a more sustainable future in the fashion industry. According to OTS, the coalition application from ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS was adopted in an unbureaucratic implementation of the regulation. The Greens' application for a comprehensive ban on annihilation of new goods, in particular textiles, was rejected.

The EU Ecodesign Ordinance, which already provides for a ban on destruction for unsold clothing, is not only the annihilation of new goods, but also on the lifespan and repair of products. As Tagesschau , the EU Parliament strives for a broad support for these proposals. The Ordinance in particular aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of the "Fast Fashion".

environmental and climate protection measures

In the committee, applications from the FPÖ and the Greens were also dealt with for climate protection policy and CO2 tax, but the FPÖ applications were postponed. This shows the ongoing tensions within the political landscape when it comes to ecological measures. The Greens also call for legal regulations to limit soil consumption to 2.5 hectares per day by 2030 and propose a deposit system for batteries. According to the Greens, 4.6 million kilograms of new clothes and shoes were destroyed in Austria in 2021.

The EU has also decided to introduce a digital product pass as part of its strategy to combat the environmental impact. This is intended to increase transparency and inform consumers about the sustainability of various products. Brands of the fashion and textile industry have to adapt to comprehensive changes and reporting requirements in order to meet the new sustainability standards, such as Sustain Fashion describes.

goals and challenges of regulation

The regulation also aims to extend the lifespan of products and improve their repair. In May 2023, the EU member states agreed on a joint negotiating position. To achieve this, software updates and spare parts for products should be available over a reasonable period of time.

With currently only 22 percent reusing rate of shoes and clothing, the EU faces enormous challenges. These initiatives, supported by various European countries, emphasize the goal of making the music industry more sustainable and reducing the environmental impact. It remains intently to observe how these regulations will affect the fashion industry and its practices.