EU Commission’s poll on textile waste sparks debate over fast fashion
- Editor
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
A recent LinkedIn post by the European Commission has triggered a lively discussion about how Europeans manage their old clothes, just days after the implementation of the revised EU Waste Framework Directive.
The Commission’s post included a poll asking professionals to share how they deal with unwanted garments — by donating, repairing, reusing, or discarding them. The response was immediate and substantial, with hundreds of comments highlighting the growing awareness of textile waste and the need to shift towards more sustainable habits.
Many respondents emphasised the importance of reuse and repair, arguing that extending the lifespan of clothes is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact. Several also pointed to the problem of overconsumption, particularly of cheap fast-fashion items imported from China, which dominate the lower end of the European clothing market.
The timing of the post was no coincidence. The revised Waste Framework Directive introduces new rules for separate collection of textile waste across EU Member States by 2025, aiming to reduce landfill use and encourage recycling, reuse, and circular business models. Also the dominating narratives debate about textile waste is currently questioned from several organisations.
While some praised the EU for raising awareness through social channels, others called for stricter regulation of textile imports and stronger producer responsibility schemes to ensure fashion brands play their part in reducing waste.
The Commission’s engagement on LinkedIn signals a broader strategy to use professional platforms for public dialogue on environmental policy — and underlines how textile waste has become a defining issue in Europe’s sustainability agenda.
Read more: EC:s Linked In Post
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