MEP Martin Günther (The Left) has asked the European Commission to consider product-specific regulation targeting synthetic textiles that shed high levels of microfibres, particularly polyester fleece, which he says contributes disproportionately to microplastic pollution. In a parliamentary question submitted on 22 June 2026, Günther called for design standards, material restrictions, and measurable fibre-release limits under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The question, addressed to the Commission, seeks to push EU policy beyond its current material-agnostic approach. Günther cites evidence that fabric construction — such as brushed surfaces in fleece — significantly increases fibre shedding during production, washing, drying, and wear. He asks whether the Commission recognises fleece and similar textiles as disproportionately large sources of microplastic pollution, and how it plans to address shedding at product design level under existing or forthcoming legislation.
he wants the Commission to consider introducing requirements or restrictions for high-shedding textile products, including design standards, material choices, and performance thresholds for fibre release. He specifically mentions minimum durability requirements and measurable limits on fibre shedding for textiles placed on the EU market. The question does not propose a specific numerical target or deadline, but it signals a clear policy orientation toward stricter, product-specific regulation.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it is open to moving beyond voluntary measures or general ecodesign criteria toward binding, product-specific limits on microfibre shedding — a move that would affect textile manufacturers, particularly those producing fleece and other high-shedding synthetics, as well as retailers and consumers who may face higher costs or reduced product choices. Environmental groups and NGOs have long called for such regulation, while industry stakeholders may push back on feasibility and cost implications.
Günther's intervention comes amid growing scientific evidence on microplastic pollution from textiles, but no prior EU policy action has differentiated between products based on emission intensity. The question tests whether the Commission is willing to use the ESPR to impose targeted restrictions on specific textile types, a step that could set a precedent for other high-polluting product categories.