The French government is laying the groundwork for a new era of ecological transparency through environmental labeling. This initiative, anticipated by the public, now opens the dialogue until December 19. A system aimed at strengthening responsible choices of consumers while valuing brands that care about their impacts on the environment. By relying on an enriched calculation method, including criteria such as the ecotoxicity of freshwater and microplastic pollution, the government emphasizes the acceleration of the ecological transition in the textile sector.
On November 28, the launch of a public consultation for the implementation of environmental labeling was announced by Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the Minister for Ecological Transition. This system, provided for by the climate and resilience law of 2021, aims to make the environmental impact of new or remanufactured textile products transparent. Until December 19, citizens, businesses, and associations are invited to share their opinions.
This initiative aims to promote virtuous brands by encouraging informed consumption choices. Manufacturers will be informed of their “impact points” and encouraged towards eco-design. The impact is evaluated according to 16 European criteria, such as climate change and ecotoxicity of freshwater.
Additionally, a proven calculation method is proposed, incorporating criteria on microplastic pollution and sustainability. The Ecobalyse platform will allow manufacturers to calculate the environmental impact of their products.
A new chapter for environmental labeling
Waited for eagerly, the implementation of environmental labeling is about to become concrete. The recent launch of a public consultation by the Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, marks a crucial step. This initiative is aimed at both citizens and businesses and associations. It promises a transparent representation of the environmental impact of new or remanufactured products textiles. This participatory process is set to last until December 19, thus confirming the government’s commitment to include all stakeholders in this essential debate.
The objectives of environmental labeling
In accordance with the climate and resilience law of 2021, the objective of the system is to provide consumers with a clear view of the environmental impacts of the products they choose. This labeling should guide consumers towards better-informed and more responsible choices. Moreover, it allows manufacturers to understand their own impact points and to see their efforts in terms of eco-design valued. The criteria for this evaluation are based on 16 European standards, with climate change and freshwater ecotoxicity as major indicators.
An evolving calculation method
The provisional criteria include the impact of microplastics, the end-of-life of products, and “non-physical sustainability,” which is defined based on five sub-criteria such as product range and manufacturing traceability. To facilitate the calculation of these impacts, manufacturers can refer to the Ecobalyse platform. The scores of products will be lower the more their practices are environmentally friendly. Although these rules are currently voluntary, the law provides for a future obligation. This dynamic is praised by industry actors, such as Yann Rivoallan on LinkedIn.
