EU sustainability package: between guidance and excessive demands

With its sustainability strategy, the EU wanted to put the economy on a greener course with a total of 16 regulations. This also affects the Swiss textile and clothing industry, as the EU is its most important trading partner.

But instead of clarity, there is uncertainty in many places: while some regulations are already in force, others have been watered down, postponed or are still pending implementation. Too much bureaucracy and a threat to competition, according to the member states. These changes of course make it difficult for companies to maintain an overview.

Doubts arise about the requirements

Against this backdrop, Swiss Textiles invited its members to the "Brennpunkt" discussion series at its offices last Thursday. In a confidential setting, those present discussed and openly exchanged assessments, experiences and doubts. The main questions were: What will actually remain of the EU regulations and what do they mean for the industry in practice?

The emotional discussion revealed a mixed picture - because this much was clear: the EU's sustainability strategy is causing a stir. Some of the participants fundamentally questioned the benefits of the regulations. The high administrative burden, growing bureaucracy and the fact that many requirements along the supply chain are difficult to implement were criticised in particular. A brake on innovation in the company.

Confused by change of course

The frequent adjustments and delays in particular further increased the uncertainty. The best examples of this are the back and forth with the omnibus regulation on sustainability reporting and supply chain diligence as well as the "stop-the-clock" initiative.

Want to know more about the topic? Click here for the introduction: Has the EU lost the plot in its textile strategy? - Swiss Textiles

Change only with political pressure?

Others, on the other hand, were able to see something positive in the plan. They said that regulations give companies guidance, demand responsibility and contribute to greater fairness in the market if the same rules apply to everyone. It was also pointed out that the change towards more sustainability has often been too slow without political pressure.

Well-intentioned, but not well thought out

As different as the positions were, the fourth "focal point" made one thing clear: the industry wants to make its contribution to sustainability, but is dependent on clear, practicable and reliable guidelines to do so. The exchange showed how important it is right now to share experiences, openly address uncertainties and jointly categorise further developments.