After much debate, the French initiative for environmental labeling on textile products has been validated by Brussels. Starting in the second half of 2025, voluntary brands will be able to display the Ecobalyse score on their labels. This score reflects the environmental impact of a product, on an open scale, similar to a Nutri-Score, but for clothing.
Initially, this system was intended to be mandatory for all brands. Ultimately, only those who communicate on their carbon footprint will be required to display this score. A first barrier against greenwashing practices.
The text also provides a powerful safeguard: after one year, if a brand does not voluntarily publish its score, consumer associations will be able to generate a default score from available data. This mechanism is specifically aimed at certain ultra-fast fashion brands that are currently not very transparent.
Another key point: the French government has preferred the Ecobalyse method to the European Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), which has been criticized for favoring low-end products in some cases.
Some brands are already going further by relying on extended indicators such as the Fashion Score developed by Clear Fashion. This score out of 100 also integrates:
The objective: to offer a complete, reliable, and understandable display at a glance, with a clear color code, inspired by the Nutri-Score.
Even if the Ecobalyse display remains voluntary at first, the dynamic has been launched. And the obligations are accumulating for those placing products on the market:
Brands that anticipate these new requirements will gain a head start, both in terms of compliance and brand image.
At CompliancR, we support brands in the textile sector at every stage of their EPR compliance. Our AI solution enables you to:
Environmental labeling is becoming a lever for transparency and differentiation. Use your data to support your brand strategy with CompliancR.