Do e-textiles for Fashion require specific Legislation and Developmental Guidelines in order to avoid Harmful Waste?

E-textiles are a rapidly expanding body of materials, with extensive prototyping and market testing being carried out globally for fashion, military and medical applications. This is leading to novel combinations of nano materials, electrical components and fibers. A small number of researchers have identified the need for regulation and highlighted the potential environmental impact of e-textiles. Partially covered by a myriad of directives and legislation within the EU and UK, there is a call for action to address the disposal and waste aspects of e-textiles. The EU WEEE directive instigated in 2006 to address electronic waste management provides clear and actionable outlines for electronic devices with emphasis on producer and user responsibilities. The same cannot be said for the complex directives and legislation relating to fashion and textile waste. The Pulse report identifies the need for producer responsibility in fashion and the World Economic Forum states there is currently no “credible” recycling for fast fashion, add etextiles to fast fashion and the potential impact is chilling. The EU and UK have sought to explore the effects of nano-materials, however there is currently no specific direction on disposal of nano-composite materials other than to include it among REACH legislation. This research addresses the gap within current textile, fashion apparel, electronics and nano-materials legislation.