Sustainability regulatory updates, the circular economy and the environment

 

 

Europe

Extends the Validity of Multiple EU Ecolabel Criteria

On the 6^th of January 2026, the European Union has adopted Commission Decision (EU) 2026/66, extending the validity of several sets of EU Ecolabel criteria that were nearing expiration. The decision amends earlier decisions establishing ecological criteria for a range of consumer and industrial products, ensuring continuity of the EU’s environmental quality mark.

The new expiry dates of EU Ecolabel criteria for five key product groups are:

Product Group	Original Decision	Previous Expiry	New dates
Textile products	2014/391/EU	31 Dec 2025	31 Dec 2028
Bed mattresses	2014/350/EU	31 Dec 2026	31 Dec 2030
Furniture	2016/1332	31 Dec 2026	31 Dec 2029
Footwear	2016/1349	31 Dec 2025	31 Dec 2028
Wood-, cork-, bamboo based floor coverings	2017/176	31 Dec 2026	31 Dec 2029

 

The decision is grounded in Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the legal framework governing the EU Ecolabel program. Under Article 8(2), the Commission has the power to set, update, or extend the validity of ecolabel criteria for specific product groups.

The act was adopted on 23 December 2025 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 6 January 2026. It is now in force.

New Rules on Disclosure of Discarded Unsold Consumer Products

On 10 February 2026, the European Commission formally adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2, establishing detailed rules and a harmonised reporting format for how companies must disclose information regarding discarded unsold consumer products. This implementing act supports the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, which strengthens EU ecodesign requirements to advance sustainability across the internal market.

The products covered by these reporting obligations are listed in Annex II, including categories such as apparel and clothing accessories, blankets, bed linen, electrical and electronic devices, furniture, sanitary towels and tampons, among others. Under the new rules, companies must provide transparent information on:

• The number and weight of unsold consumer products they have discarded.
• The reasons these products were discarded.
• Any relevant derogations that applied.
• The proportion of discarded products that entered specific waste treatment operations (reuse preparation, recycling, recovery, or disposal).
• Measures taken and planned to prevent product destruction in the future.

To reduce administrative burden, these obligations do not apply to micro and small enterprises. By mandating greater transparency, EU policymakers aim to promote:

• More responsible and efficient inventory management.
• Stronger incentives to donate, recycle, or repurpose unsold goods.
• Reduced environmental impact by limiting unnecessary waste generation.

The new regulation will apply from 2 March 2027. Overall, this initiative forms part of a broader EU movement towards enhanced corporate accountability and greater transparency in sustainability practices, ensuring that consumers and stakeholders can better assess the environmental performance of businesses.

EU Omnibus I Directive Formally approved: major changes to CS3D and CSRD

On 24 February 2026, the Council of the European Union gave its final approval to a directive amending Directive (EU) 2022/2464 and Directive (EU) 2024/1760, together with related provisions in Directives 2006/43/EC and 2013/34/EU, as part of measures to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.

Key changes to CSRD:

• Scope: Applies to undertakings, groups and issuers with more than 1,000 employees and net turnover exceeding €450 million.
• Third-country companies: Threshold set at €450 million EU turnover, with a €200 million threshold for the relevant subsidiary or branch.
• Value-chain cap: Undertakings with fewer than 1,000 employees may decline to provide information exceeding the voluntary reporting standard.
• Sector-specific standards: The mandate for the Commission to adopt sector-specific reporting standards is removed, with the possibility to provide sector-specific guidance instead.
• Temporary relief: Member States may exempt certain undertakings from reporting requirements for financial years beginning between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026.

 

Key changes to CS3D

• Scope: Applies to companies with more than 5,000 employees and net worldwide turnover above €1.5 billion.
• Due diligence: Companies must base their due diligence on reasonably available information.
• Climate transition plans: The provisions concerning the transition plan for climate change are repealed.
• Liability and penalties: The EU-wide harmonised liability regime is removed, and Member States must set a maximum limit for pecuniary penalties of 3% of net worldwide turnover.

Timeline

Member States must adopt and publish national measures by 26 July 2028 and apply them from 26 July 2029, with one provision applying for financial years starting on or after 1 January 2030. The directive will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

 

France

Updates regulations about textile waste management

On the 29^th of January 2026, The French government has introduced a new regulatory update to the national framework governing textile waste management. The Arrêté du 26 janvier 2026, published in the Journal Officiel (JORF n°0024), modifies the earlier Arrêté du 23 novembre 2022 regarding the operational requirements for eco‑organisations and individual systems within the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles, footwear, and household linen (TLC).

The updated regulation aims to refine how eco‑organisations support waste sorting operations. Earlier amendments issued in 2025 introduced exceptional financial support for sorting activities for 2025 and 2026. This new 2026 arrêté adjusts the rule governing the maximum tonnage eligible for support, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable distribution of funds among stakeholders in the textile waste sector.

The arrêté takes effect the day following its publication in the Journal Officiel, ensuring immediate applicability for all regulated entities

 

Türkiye

Turkey Notifies WTO of New Draft Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products

On the 22nd of January 2026, Turkey has formally submitted a new draft regulation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, issuing notification G/TBT/N/TUR/232. The proposal sets out Ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, signalling Turkey’s upcoming regulatory shift toward stricter sustainability‑aligned product standards.

The measure focuses on sustainable products and introduces Ecodesign requirements, aiming to improve the environmental performance of goods placed on the Turkish market.

However, it specifically excludes several categories such as food and feed, medicinal products for both human and veterinary use, and live biological entities like plants and animals.

Turkey intends to align its product policies with environmental objectives similar to those found in EU sustainability frameworks, such as energy efficiency and material use standards.

This notification reflects Turkey’s increasing participation in the global regulatory shift toward sustainability, and it aligns with international efforts to reduce environmental impact through product‑level intervention.

 

The table below summarises the most recent publications regarding sustainability, the circular economy, and the environment (non-exhaustive):

Entity	Date	Publication
EU Commission	09/01/2026	The European Commission has published a “Have Your Say” initiative titled “Chemicals – new rules on carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic (CMR) substances subject to restrictions”, which concerns the preparation of new regulatory measures addressing CMR substances under EU chemicals legislation. The initiative relates to the review and potential update of restrictions applicable to substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, with the objective of strengthening protection of human health and the environment through restrictions on the placing on the market and use of such substances.
EU Commission	16/01/2026	The European Commission has announced a €6 million investment to pilot a deposit-return system for used textiles, marking a step toward strengthening textile circularity across the EU. The initiative will test how a structured return scheme can incentivise consumers to bring back used garments, with the objective of improving collection rates and supporting reuse and recycling. The pilot forms part of broader EU efforts to reduce textile waste and advance circular economy goals by developing scalable models for textile recovery and value retention.
EU Commission	17/01/2026	On 17 January 2026, the European Commission opened a Have Your Say consultation on an initiative concerning ecodesign requirements for commercial dishwashers. The initiative aims to establish product-specific ecodesign rules under the EU Ecodesign framework to improve the environmental performance of commercial dishwashers placed on the EU market, including requirements intended to enhance energy and resource efficiency over the product lifecycle. The consultation forms part of the Commission’s preparatory work to define minimum performance and information requirements for these products, supporting broader EU objectives to reduce environmental impacts and promote more sustainable products. Public consultation is expected second quarter of 2026.
Mexico	19/01/2026	On 19 January 2026, the Diario Oficial de la Federación published the Ley General de Economía Circular (LGEC), establishing a new federal legal framework for the circular economy in Mexico that entered into force on 20 January 2026. The law institutes mechanisms and policies to extend product life, minimize the generation of waste, recover, reuse, and valorise materials, and sets out concurrent responsibilities for federal, state and municipal authorities to implement circularity principles across economic activities. In addition to creating this standalone environmental statute, the decree amends and adds provisions to the Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente (LGEEPA) and the Ley General para la Prevención y Gestión Integral de los Residuos to align them with the circular economy objectives defined in the LGEC.
ADEME (French Environmental Ministry)	12/12/2025	The XD Textile Responsable is a programme supported by France’s ADEME aimed at accelerating innovation toward a more responsible textile sector by addressing key systemic issues in production, consumption and circularity. It seeks to reduce textile volumes while strengthening local economies and employment through solutions that shorten value chains, promote ecological design, and connect actors across the textile lifecycle — from producers and distributors to repairers and consumers — with the goal of increasing durability, reducing unused garments, supporting repair services and making responsible clothing more accessible. The initiative is structured into phases starting with an appel à manifestation d’intérêt open from 18 December 2025 to 27 February 2026 to identify actors and challenges, followed by an ideation stage from March 2026 and eventual prototype financing in 2027, with thematic workgroups on topics such as taxation, consumer behaviour and quality standards to foster collective action across the sector
Gov.UK	22/01/2026	On 22 January 2026, the UK Government published guidance titled “Making green claims: Getting it right, across the supply chain”, providing businesses with guidance on how to ensure environmental claims made about products or services remain accurate and compliant throughout the supply chain. The guidance explains that companies are responsible for the claims they communicate to consumers and must ensure they are supported by clear and verifiable evidence, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to ensure information used to substantiate environmental claims is consistent and reliable. It also encourages businesses to consider the full lifecycle of products and the role of supply chain partners when communicating environmental benefits.
Switzerland	27/01/2026	Switzerland is proposing amendments to the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem, SR 814.81), the Swiss regulation governing restrictions and bans on hazardous substances. The revision has been prepared by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) together with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and forms part of updates to the Swiss framework regulating chemical risks.
ECHA	30/01/2026	On 2 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a consultation on its proposal to recommend four substances, including Bumetrizole (UV-326), for inclusion in the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). The consultation invites stakeholders to submit information on uses, exposures, alternatives and supply chains for the substances before ECHA finalises its recommendation to the European Commission on whether they should be added to the list requiring authorisation under the REACH Regulation.
UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE)	01/02/2026	The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a proposal to introduce new mandatory classifications and labelling for 60 hazardous substances under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. The proposal aims to update the list of harmonised classifications to ensure that chemicals placed on the Great Britain market are correctly classified and labelled according to their hazardous properties, supporting the protection of human health and the environment and aligning regulatory controls with the latest scientific assessments.
EU Commission	02/02/2026	On 2 February 2026, the European Commission adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/250, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, correcting Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives with harmonised classification for specific hazardous properties in certain food contact materials and articles. The correcting regulation also concerns the amendment of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and the repeal of Regulation (EU) 2018/213, as part of the EU framework governing substances used in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)	02/02/2026	The GOTS, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – has released Version 8.0 of its processing standard, a major overhaul that reframes GOTS as a governance system for the full textile value chain, covering how products are made, verified, claimed, and labelled. After a transition period, it becomes fully effective on 1 March 2027. Key changes include: stronger alignment with OECD due-diligence guidance, tighter rules on air emissions and waste management, toughened textile waste criteria supported by a clear waste-hierarchy approach, a new, dedicated Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) section strengthens controls on chemical inputs and formulators, among others.
Gov.UK	03/02/2026	On 3 February 2025, the UK Government published the “PFAS plan”, setting out the government’s approach to managing risks from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the United Kingdom. The plan outlines actions to improve the evidence base on PFAS, strengthen regulatory controls where necessary, support monitoring and research on the presence and impacts of PFAS in the environment, and coordinate activity across government and regulators. It also describes the government’s intention to work with stakeholders to address potential risks associated with PFAS while ensuring that regulatory measures are proportionate and informed by scientific evidence.
EU Commission	03/02/2026	On 3 February 2026, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/245, amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The Regulation updates the Union list of authorised substances for plastic food contact materials, including revising the chemical name and specifications of FCM substance No. 768 and adding several new authorised substances with specific conditions of use and migration limits, such as substances derived from oxidised rice bran wax and 2,2′-oxydiethylamine. It also introduces a new provision specifying that water must be used for verification of compliance instead of certain food simulants for specific substances. The Regulation will enter into force on 23 February 2026, twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
EU Commission	05/02/2026	On 5 February 2026, the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Decision on the submission, on behalf of the European Union, of a proposal to list TBPH (tetrabromophthalate) in Annex A or Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The proposal seeks to enable the EU to formally submit a nomination for the substance under the Convention’s procedure for adding new persistent organic pollutants, with the objective of initiating its international evaluation and potential global restriction or elimination due to its persistent, bioaccumulative and hazardous properties.
EU Commission	05/02/2026	The European Commission launched a Have Your Say consultation on an initiative concerning harmonised standards for packaging and packaging waste under the EU framework on packaging sustainability. The initiative aims to develop harmonised European standards to support the implementation of requirements set out in the EU legislation on packaging and packaging waste, including provisions related to packaging design, recyclability and waste management. The consultation invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the development of these standards, which are intended to facilitate consistent application of EU rules across Member States and support the transition to more sustainable packaging systems. Commission Adoption planned for first quarter of 2026.
Joint Research Centre (JRC)	09/02/2026	On 2026, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a technical proposal on EU harmonised waste sorting labels to support the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The report presents a proposed system of harmonised labels intended to help consumers correctly sort packaging waste across the European Union, aiming to improve the clarity and consistency of waste sorting instructions and support higher recycling rates. The proposal outlines design options and technical considerations for the labels, including how they could be applied to packaging and waste collection containers to facilitate better waste management practices throughout the EU.
EU Commission	09/02/2026	The European Commission has published an initiative titled “National targets and flexibilities in the EU climate policy framework after 2030 – review”, which concerns the review of rules governing national targets and flexibility mechanisms in the EU climate policy framework after 2030. The initiative forms part of the Commission’s preparatory work to assess and potentially revise the existing framework governing Member States’ climate targets and the mechanisms that allow flexibility in achieving them under EU climate legislation. Feedback and consultation period: 09 February 2026 – 04 May 2026.
European Union Publications	09/02/2026	The Publications Office of the European Union published the final report titled “The cost of PFAS pollution for our society”, which assesses the societal costs associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution in the European Economic Area (EEA). The study analyses four hypothetical scenarios for PFAS exposure between 2024 and 2050: business as usual emissions, full compliance with the Drinking Water Directive, full compliance with Environmental Quality Standards, and a total ban on PFAS production and use. The report estimates that quantifiable annual health costs from human exposure to certain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA) were around EUR 39.5 billion in 2024, while water treatment and remediation costs were estimated at approximately EUR 3.8 billion per year, and evaluates how these costs could evolve depending on regulatory actions and pollution control measures.
UK.Gov	10/02/2026	On 10 February 2026, the UK Government published further updates on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will apply from 1 January 2027 to imports of aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, iron and steel. The update includes draft secondary legislation and a public consultation open until 24 March 2026, setting out technical rules for the administration of the CBAM tax, including registration of importers, calculation of the weight and emissions of CBAM goods, record-keeping obligations, and submission of CBAM returns. The proposals also clarify the calculation of the CBAM rate based on UK ETS carbon prices and the application of Carbon Price Relief (CPR) where goods have already been subject to a qualifying carbon pricing scheme. Further draft secondary legislation is expected in spring 2026, with the final framework to be adopted later in 2026 ahead of the mechanism’s entry into force in 2027.
TRIS – Germany	13/02/2026	On 13 February 2026, Germany notified the European Commission under Directive (EU) 2015/1535 (TRIS notification 2026/0069/DE) of a draft Act aligning packaging law and other areas of law with Regulation (EU) 2025/40. The draft legislation aims to adapt German national packaging law to the requirements of the new EU Packaging Regulation, including provisions on extended producer responsibility for packaging, manufacturer registration, recycling requirements and reporting obligations, as well as rules related to the deposit system, recycled content in single-use beverage packaging, and the mandatory offer of reusable packaging for food and beverage takeaway consumption. The standstill period for the notification runs until 18 May 2026.
Scottish Government	13/02/2026	The Scottish Government announced that the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Scotland will be banned from 11 August 2027, following the publication of new regulations. The measure targets single-use wet wipes containing plastic fibres, which contribute to environmental pollution and sewer blockages when flushed. The restriction forms part of broader efforts across the UK to reduce plastic pollution and microplastics in the environment. Businesses will be required to ensure that wet wipes placed on the Scottish market are plastic-free from the implementation date, providing a transition period before the ban takes effect.
EU Commission	16/02/2026	On 2026, the European Commission (DG ENER) launched a Call for Evidence for an Impact Assessment titled “Simplification of energy-efficient products legislation.” The initiative, announced in the Commission Work Programme 2026, prepares a legislative proposal aimed at simplifying the EU framework for energy-efficient products, particularly Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 on energy labelling and Regulation (EU) 2020/740 on tyre labelling, while preserving the objectives of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. The consultation seeks stakeholder feedback on options to reduce administrative burdens and improve compliance, including simplifying the delivery and display of labels and product information sheets, streamlining registration in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL), improving the use of labels for consumer decision-making, strengthening compliance in online sales, and clarifying responsibilities for manufacturers, retailers and market surveillance authorities.
CEN The European Committee for Standardization	18/02/2026	On 18 February 2026, CEN-CENELEC made available three European standards in the ISO 14019 series on sustainability information: EN ISO 14019-2:2026, EN ISO 14019-1:2026, and EN ISO 14019-4:2026. These standards establish principles and requirements for the validation and verification of declared sustainability information, including provisions on the competence, consistent operation and impartiality of bodies performing such conformity assessment activities. The standards build on the framework of ISO/IEC 17029 and introduce specific requirements applicable to organisations responsible for validating or verifying sustainability-related information, supporting greater reliability and transparency in sustainability disclosures.
EU Commission	18/02/2026	The European Commission published Draft Delegated Decision under Directive 2008/98/EC establishing harmonised rules for calculating the weight of materials removed during sorting operations that are not ultimately recycled when reporting recycling rates. The draft measure allows Member States, where direct measurement at the recycling stage is not available, to apply average loss rates (ALRs) derived from representative sampling of sorting facilities to estimate the amount of waste that does not enter the recycling process. The methodology requires robust data collection methods (e.g. mass balance or compositional analysis), verification procedures, and periodic updates of the calculated loss rates, ensuring consistency and comparability of recycling statistics reported under EU waste legislation. The objective is to improve the accuracy and harmonisation of recycling rate calculations across Member States, particularly where waste is sorted before being sent to recycling facilities.
Belgium	19/02/2026	Belgian federal authorities have adopted a PFAS Inspection Action Plan for 2026–2030 to strengthen oversight of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in consumer products, particularly textiles. The initiative follows national inspections conducted in 2024–2025 by the Federal Environmental Inspectorate, which found that 9 of 51 tested textile products exceeded the legal PFAS limits. The products included raincoats, trousers, bags and mattress protectors, many sourced from online retailers previously linked to infringements. Enforcement measures included removal of all non-compliant products from the market, sales bans and official reports issued to three companies, and notifications to other EU Member States through the EU Safety Gate system where product data allowed. Under the new inspection plan, Belgium will introduce risk-based inspection campaigns, increased monitoring of products containing PFAS and other substances of concern such as endocrine disruptors, stronger controls on e-commerce including platforms outside the EU, increased inspection capacity with more dissuasive sanctions, and improved data analysis and cooperation between authorities

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