Ref. Ares(2022)5114864 - 13/07/2022
To: 
ABLAZEVICA Anna 
Subject: 
Commissioner Breton - Don't lose the thread - 23 March 2022 
 
Meeting between Commissioner Thierry Breton and a group of civil society organisations regarding 
the need for high ambition in the upcoming EU strategy for sustainable textiles (“Don’t lose the 
thread” campaign) 
23 March 2022  
 
Participants:  
x 
 European Environmental Bureau (EEB) 
x 
 IndustriAll Europe 
x 
 Clean Clothes Campaign 
x 
 Fashion Revolution  
x 
 Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS) 
x 
 Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO)  
x 
 Traidcraft Exchange 
 
Commissioner Breton thanked the participants for reaching out. He took note of the views of the 
participants according to which the upcoming EU textile strategy should cover the following:  
x  EU-wide quantitative targets to improve environmental and carbon footprint of textiles 
consumption and foster circular economy.  
x  Ban of the destruction of unsold/returned durable goods and a clearly defined path on how this 
obligation will be implemented.  
x  An Extended Producer Responsibility scheme and eco-modulation fees for textiles going beyond 
incentives to recycling. 
x  Ensuring a level playing field and addressing social and environmental concerns and unfair 
commercial practices.  
x  Improved flows and information sharing regarding environmental impacts and social aspects.  
x  Sustainable corporate governance and due diligence type of measures to tackle challenges in 
the global clothing sector.  
 
Commissioner Breton confirmed that the strategy will be adopted on 30 March and that it is likely to 
address several of the points raised by the delegation.  
Commissioner Breton invited the participants to continue the exchange of information.   

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