European textile groups are blaming the REACH regulation for the relocation of the European textile dye sector to Asia where supply chains are opaque, and pollution still rife. The relocation is not only causing loss of European jobs and innovations but also creating chemical monopolies. Recent findings by several leading European textile industry bodies show, the regulation is having the exact opposite impact of what it was originally designed to do. The potential impact of hazardous textile chemicals on both human health and the environment is being exacerbated by sourcing more from Asia.

Textile manufacturers have already warned the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) that the present global consumption of textile dyes and pigments cannot currently be replaced in sufficient quantities due to shutdowns in Asia and REACH is said to be aggravating the situation. This is important given that one car alone contains an average 23 kg of dyed and finished textiles – and illustrates how the current lack of raw materials and spiraling textile chemical prices can have knock-on effects to other important EU industry sectors dependent on these products.