Poles are slowly moving away from Fast Fashion. “It is better to buy one thing than 10 that you throw away after the season”
In 2022, 11 million tons of textile products were imported into the European Union, of which nearly half (45 percent) were clothing. They came mainly from China, Bangladesh and Turkey. In addition, the share of online trade in the EU increased from 5 percent. In 2009, up to 11 percent 2022 – according to the latest report of the European Environment Agency (EEA). Representatives of the Polish textile industry, however, notice the tendency to leave Fast Fashion and pay attention to the need to educate society. EU initiatives as part of the Union strategy in favor of balanced textiles are to be helpful in limiting waste.
– We are moving away from Fast Fashion fashion. We are all talking about the fact that we should buy much more durable products, of much better quality, about the possibility of repairing them, preferably one -legged, and if it is not possible, then with the least complex raw material composition. In connection with the above, we must build awareness in various types of information campaigns in our society that sometimes it is better to buy one thing that we will be able to use much longer – says in an interview with Newseria agency Aleksandra Krysiak, director of the Association of Employers of the clothing and textile industry (PIOT).
He emphasizes that the departure from Fast Fashion is associated with many benefits – primarily financial and health.
– Contrary to appearances, our pocket will be more rich than buying these 10 things that we will throw after a month or one season. We will be healthier, because our manufacturers are subject to all regulations and regulations related to product safety and we know that products that come from Polish or European producers, these are certified and tested products, both for raw material compositions and for the presence of harmful substances – explains Aleksandra Krysiak.
It also indicates care for the environment in the face of the fight against huge waste warehouses and the burning of many tons of used clothing.
According to the EEA report in 2022, the Member States produced about 6.94 million of textile waste, which, per person, gives 16 kg. In addition, it is estimated that about 4-9 percent All textile products introduced to the European market are destroyed before use, which translates into 264-594 thousand. T textiles. The amount of waste reaching combustion in Europe increased from 10 percent. In 2010, to 14 percent in 2022.
– We should build in our society, among our consumers, the awareness that less is sometimes better and safer – emphasizes the director of PIOT.
The Ekobarometer report made in 2024 by the SW Research agency in cooperation with the Groupm Media Group shows that close A quarter of young Poles admits that they are buying clothes on platforms referred to as the so -called Ultra Fast Fashion. In the age group 16-24, 22 percent He did shopping at this, 24 percent at Shein, and 20 percent on Aliexpress.
However, the European Union implements activities regarding the reduction and waste of textile waste.
– The strategy for sustainable textiles tells us about moving from Fast fashion in favor of Slowly fashion so that we can buy more consciously, definitely less and of better quality. It is known that a higher price is going on for good quality and raw material, but we need to build such an education program for society, primarily for young people, that it is better to spend a little more and have a full -fledged, healthy product than spend on hundreds of things that we throw away after a month – explains Aleksandra Krysiak.
He emphasizes that this is a reversal of consciousness that we have destroyed as a society in recent years. We used to wear clothing and footwear for years, we used repairs and modifications. The textile industry wants to renew the craftsmanship and return to individualized sewing tailored to what to reverse the Fast Fashion trend.
– Part of our society does not have very wealthy wallets to buy expensive clothing, but it is not a matter of whether it is expensive or cheap. It is a matter: safe, healthy and long -term. Because if we buy three -four Fast Fashion jackets, and after the season we throw them away, then if we compulch even these low prices, we will have one valuable, long and healthy jacket for it – indicates the director of Piotr.
He points out that as part of the EU textile package 2030, work is underway on tools that are related to the implementation of strategies for the textile industry. Its foundation is Ekodesign, i.e. the design of permanent clothing, consisting of natural raw materials, easily repairing, which is easy to process and recover raw materials for re -production.
– This is one direction. The Ekodesign Directive has already been adopted, and at that moment a delegated act is prepared for the clothing and textile sector, which will only refer to our sector, because the Ekodesign Directive is the General EU Directive. Now delegated acts are to be prepared for individual sectors – explains Aleksandra Krysiak.
He points out that the next direction of the European Union are regulations regarding security regulations, commonly known as REACH. This is a review of all harmful substances that should be excluded from use in the EU for society security and environmental protection.
– We know that it later goes to dumps and also destroys our environment – adds the director of the Association of Employers of the clothing and textile industry.
