🏷️ Policy Recommendations for Accessible Textile Labels

In an era where transparency, circularity, and consumer trust are reshaping the textile industry, one crucial element is often overlooked: the accessibility of textile labels.

🚩 The Challenge: Accessibility in EU Textile Regulation

Our mission was clear:
Provide policy recommendations on accessible labelling for EU policymakers during the revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011).

This regulation, under revision by the European Commission, will shape how physical labels and the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) inform citizens, professionals, and the industry — balancing sustainability, traceability, and usability.

But accessibility cannot be left behind.

🔍 Methodology: From Policy to Prototypes

To build strong, inclusive recommendations, we took a comprehensive approach:

• Reviewed 30 European regulations and specialized studies on textiles, labelling, accessibility, eco-design, and disability.

• Conducted co-creation workshops with stakeholders — including users, experts, and accessibility advocates.

• Partnered with the ONCE Foundation to design, prototype, and test accessible labels and graphic symbols.

• Collaborated with graphic designer Lisi Badia to ensure clear, inclusive visual communication.

• Explored accessible technologies and market tools already available.

• Developed and standardized content for clear, legible, user-friendly labels.

The result: A concrete set of accessibility standards and policy recommendations for EU legislators.

🗣️ Feedback Workshop: A Turning Point

On 18 October 2024, we participated in the final feedback workshop hosted by the European Commission before the new draft regulation is written.

It was an inspiring space of shared voices — from policymakers and NGOs to companies, SMEs, and designers. We were invited to comment on the official document titled:
“Information note for final stakeholder consultations on the findings of the study in support of a joint impact assessment of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011.”

I had the honour of addressing the audience to advocate for accessible, readable, and permanent labels.
Because this is not only about regulation — it’s about people’s lives.

🧩 The Solution: Simpler Labels + Smarter Tech

Based on our research and feedback:

• Simplify physical labels — with fewer, clearer terms and legible formats.

• Preserve essential information on material content, care, and recycling.

• Support professionals with the Digital Product Passport, offering deeper data for traceability, circularity, and compliance.

This hybrid approach serves both everyday users and industry professionals — ensuring no one is excluded from understanding and acting on label information.

📌 What’s Next?

The European Commission is now drafting the new Textile Labelling Regulation, expected in the second quarter of 2025.
We’re proud that our work has already made an impact:

✅ Our policy document was officially submitted to the EU.
✅ The Commission confirmed: “Accessibility is a key issue in textile labelling regulation.”
✅ MovingMood is actively collaborating with policymakers as the revision process continues.

#TextileLabels #Accessibility #EUTextiles #Policy #InclusiveDesign #DPP #Sustainability