Sustainability is not a one way street. Big political players such as the European Union are key to setting regulatory standards, but how are such standards enacted in reality? Although certain regulations may appear to be effective, implementation of such legislations in reality can be challenging. In many cases, the voices of relevant actors are not provided with the space to express their views, such as those who are directly employed in the field of sustainable textiles. 2023 was lauded as the European Year of Skills, and Generation Climate Europe’s Textiles Team wanted to hear from textiles change makers, and ask: which skills are important to their jobs?
In conversations with innovators from Fibersort, United Repair Centre, Fresh Cuts, RReuse, and Banana Berry Design, we asked for insights into what they think are the most important new legislations and the challenges of paving the way for a more sustainable textiles industry.
