Challenges of New Regulations and Strengths of Eco-Credential Standards in the UK’s Textile and Fashion Industry

In this study we examine how international regulatory frameworks influence the effectiveness of eco-credential standards within the UK’s Textile and Fashion Industry (TFI). The UK’s strong commitment to sustainability, combined with a highly aware consumer base, positions it uniquely to lead in aligning eco-credential standards with evolving global regulations. Our analysis reveals a global regulatory shift from general environmental protection toward more comprehensive, circularity-focused policies. Notably, circular end-of-life management has become the most legislated area, particularly at the retail and waste management stages. While this signals growing policy commitments to waste reduction and producer accountability, significant regulatory gaps persist in downstream activities, especially at the consumer use phase. Key aspects such as product care, longevity, and disposal remain largely unregulated, undermining ecolabels' ability to influence consumer behaviour and weakening their overall lifecycle impact.