The European Union Commission on Wednesday (30/03) launched a proposal to improve the sustainability of products such as smartphones, clothing and furniture. The plan reflects the EU executive's efforts to advance the so-called "circular economy" and promote goods that are more sustainable, durable and easier to repair and recycle. "We want sustainable products to become the norm in the European market," said EU Commissioner for Environmental Responsibility, Frans Timmermans, when announcing the proposal at a press conference.

Under the plan, goods sold in the EU will be developed at a sustainability scale that demonstrates the environmental impact, durability and ease of repair of the product. This effort reflects the EU's efficiency for electrical appliances, which uses the A to G labels to help consumers choose products that are more energy efficient.

Follow fast fashion trends

In particular, the EU Commission assessed sustainability in textile products as an industry worthy of research. The proposal would introduce labeling on clothing, telling consumers how easy it is to recycle and how environmentally friendly the product is.

"Consumption of textiles, most of which are imported, now accounts for the fourth highest average negative impact on the environment and climate change, and the third highest for water and land use from a global life cycle perspective," the EU Commission's proposal reads.

Clothing production comprises 81% of the EU's textile consumption. The European Union Commission said the trend of wearing clothes for shorter periods was contributing to "unsustainable patterns of overproduction and consumption."

The trend known as fast fashion or the fast-moving fashion industry, with new collections being launched every week, and selling at relatively low prices, has lured consumers to continue buying clothes," the EU Commission said.

"It's time to end the 'take it, make it, destroy it and throw it away' model that is so dangerous to our planet, our health and our economy," added Timmermans.

The construction sector is also targeted

Apart from clothing and smartphones, the construction business is also in the spotlight, highlighting that buildings alone account for about 50% of resource extraction and consumption, and more than 30% of the total EU waste generated per year.

"In addition, buildings are responsible for 40% of the EU's energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions," the statement said.

All 27 EU member states and the European Parliament are expected to scrutinize the proposal, before it becomes law. The plan is likely to face opposition and lobbying from an industry that has been promoting products with shorter life spans.