Insights from the European Fibershed Roundtable: Advocating for Natural Fibers
On May 6, 2025, the European Fibershed Advocacy Roundtable gathered to discuss crucial updates and strategies for advocating natural fibers in EU policies. Recently, Fibershed participated in the MTLC Farm to Fashion Roundtable, highlighting the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of natural materials in the textile industry. Read more here
Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules
A central topic of discussion was the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) and the broader PEF initiative. In mid-April, the Technical Secretariat submitted the finalized PEFCR to the European Commission, but calls to recognize the positive impacts of natural fibers were largely overlooked. The coming months are pivotal as advocates hope the Commission will incorporate important factors like microplastics, biodiversity, and a more robust circularity indicator into future evaluations. An open letter urging these changes will be sent on behalf of all consortium partners, demonstrating a unified effort for policy reform.
Another critical focus was the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), where concerns about the inclusion and representation of natural fiber associations were voiced. While the European Man-Made Fibres Association gained entry to the Ecodesign Forum, natural fiber groups were not accepted, prompting discussions about fairness and equity in eco-design requirements. The current PEF may misrepresent natural fibers unless improvements are made, especially regarding durability and the inclusion of recycled content. Make the Lable Count stresses the importance of engaging local policymakers. More information on how to do this on www.makethelablecount.org.
Bioeconomy Strategy
The EU is currently reviewing its Bioeconomy Strategy, which necessitates a consistent approach to textile policies. Stakeholders are invited to participate in the public consultation “Towards a circular, regenerative and competitive bioeconomy” before the June 23 deadline, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping sustainable practices. Give feedback on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy; Share your feedback through this link. Deadline 23 June 2025 (midnight Brussels time).
Cross-regional collaborative projects
European Fibershed, represented by Fibershed NL, is partner of 2 EU funding applications, that focus on bio-based fashion and cultural heritage in textiles. Both projects offer opportunities for Fibershed affiliates and/or the brands and designers in their network to join these initiatives. Contact your regional Fibershed for more information on how to participate or send your message to European Fibershed: contact.
Support the Woolmarch 2026
Cynthia Hathaway, initiator of the WOOLMARCH is planning to bring the Woolmarch to Brussels in 2026, the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP: iyrp.org), to rally support for the European wool industry. Read more about this project