New sustainability requirements for textile products are changing the clothing industry – Alligo is on board!
As part of the EU’s textile strategy, several new requirements are being introduced to make the textile value chain more sustainable and circular. This includes legislation on ecodesign requirements for textiles, clearer information, digital product passports, and requirements for the recycling of textile products.
Sara Nygren Jönsson, Head of Product Development at Alligo, talks about how the strategy affects Alligo’s work.
– The strategy means a transition for all parts of the value chain. Alligo is, of course, affected in terms of garment product development, our supply chain is affected by new requirements, and our customers will be particularly affected when the garment is worn out and needs to be recycled, says Sara.
For Alligo, sustainability is about more than just following regulations – it is an integral part of our strategy and operations.
– Central to the work is ensuring that products and materials are used for as long as possible, which means the highest possible quality. This reduces the need for new production and minimizes the consumption of raw materials, energy, water, and chemicals, Sara continues.
To ensure high quality, the textiles are tested in their own laboratory where extensive tests are carried out on new materials to ensure both quality and function.
Ecodesign Regulation
An important part of the EU’s textile strategy is about ecodesign. The Ecodesign Regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Two central parts of the regulation are the introduction of digital product passports and a ban on destroying unsold goods.
Digital Product Passports (DPP) will give customers a better opportunity to make informed choices. DPP are clothing tags with QR codes that provide sustainability information linked to the product’s entire lifecycle – something that will affect all actors in the supply chain. The exact content of DPP for textile products has not yet been determined within the EU, but may include, for example, material content, origin, repair and recycling options, as well as carbon footprint and water usage.
From 2026, a ban on the destruction of unsold goods will be introduced.
– Since Alligo manufactures clothes based on customers’ actual demand, we avoid overproduction. Therefore, we are not as affected by the transition as many other actors in the clothing industry, says Sara Nygren Jönsson.
Challenging Recycling
On January 1, 2025, the requirement for textile recycling came into force. In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for collecting textile waste for both households and companies that do not manufacture clothes themselves.
Recycling workwear presents particular challenges. The clothes are often composed of several materials and may be contaminated after use, which complicates the recycling process.
– Recycling is a challenge with our types of textiles and therefore we are actively working to find solutions that make our garments fit into the recycling process, says Sara. She continues:
– Many of our customers focus on how they should handle their textile waste. But the more important question is instead: How can we reduce the amount of textile waste from the beginning?
Alligo is already adapting to the new requirements and is ready to help both customers and themselves create a more sustainable future. We do this by offering durable garments, thoughtful design, and a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact – together with our customers.
