On May 15, 2025, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea, and Fisheries, announced that the European Commission has approved the regulatory framework project for the voluntary display of the environmental impact of clothing. This approval marks a significant step forward in the fight against ultra-fast fashion and in support of French and European production.
The ecological cost of a garment reflects the full range of impacts generated throughout its life cycle, from the production of raw materials to its end of life, including dyeing, manufacturing, and distribution. This evaluation includes criteria such as carbon footprint, water consumption, use of phytosanitary products, fossil resources used, and microfiber emissions.
Environmental labeling of a product or service consists of providing consumers with quantified information about its main environmental impacts, calculated across its entire life cycle. This initiative pursues three main objectives:
- to inform consumers and help them make more informed and sustainable choices;
- to encourage brands to adopt eco-design approaches;
- to reduce the overall environmental impact of the relevant sectors.
This tool also aims to combat greenwashing by enabling clear and transparent product comparisons while highlighting responsible practices implemented by companies.
Following a public consultation held at the end of 2024 to gather feedback on the proposed regulatory framework for clothing, the European Commission officially validated the methodology proposed by France on May 15, 2025. This methodology is based on the PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) method, with specific adjustments for the textile sector. The method will now be reviewed by the Council of State. This means everything is in place for the voluntary use of environmental cost labeling by brands starting in the second half of 2025.
At Deda Stealth, we closely follow these regulatory developments and are actively committed to supporting brands in this transition toward more sustainable fashion.
Our membership in the French Fédération de la Mode Circulaire demonstrates our dedication to promoting eco-responsible practices and integrating innovative solutions within the fashion ecosystem.
The Fédération works to extend the life cycle of clothing and footwear by adopting business models focused on eco-design, repair, rental, reuse, upcycling, and recycling. As an active member, Deda Stealth contributes to this movement by offering technological solutions tailored to the needs of brands concerned about their environmental impact.
The adoption of environmental cost labeling presents a real opportunity for brands to differentiate themselves in a rapidly evolving market. In a context where transparency and responsibility are becoming key criteria for consumers, companies that can communicate clearly and reliably about the environmental impact of their products will gain trust and loyalty.
Technology plays a key role in this journey: with advanced digital tools, it is now possible to collect, analyze, and leverage environmental data precisely and efficiently.
Deda Stealth supports brands throughout this journey by offering innovative solutions to measure the ecological footprint of garments, optimize eco-design processes, and facilitate transparent communication with consumers. In doing so, Deda Stealth helps brands turn regulatory constraints into levers for competitiveness and sustainable innovation.
