The European Union's Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), in effect since 2019, has been a regulatory red line for nonwovens, wipes, hygiene products, and filtration materials. In July 2026, EDANA, together with multiple European industry associations, issued a joint statement opposing the European Commission's plan to re-evaluate and revise the directive, arguing that 'maintaining the certainty of the current legal text is crucial for industry investment and innovation.'
This stance reflects internal EU disagreements over the directive's effectiveness. Some environmental groups and legislators argue that five years after implementation, marine plastic pollution has not declined significantly, calling for expanded bans, stricter labeling requirements, and even mandatory recycling rates. However, industry warns that hasty revisions would undermine billions of euros already invested in compliant production lines and material substitution R&D.
Background
The SUPD primarily targets products containing plastic components, including wet wipes, sanitary pads, diapers, and certain nonwoven articles. It requires these products to carry a 'contains plastic' label on packaging and clear instructions for proper disposal. The most immediate impact on the textile sector comes from wet wipes—most European market wipes use synthetic fibers like polyester and polypropylene, placing them under the directive's definition of single-use plastics.
EDANA's joint statement signatories include nonwoven producers, fiber suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and downstream brands. They note that since 2019, the industry has invested over EUR 2 billion in developing biodegradable materials, optimizing production processes, and establishing separate waste collection systems. A revision—for instance, tightening the biodegradability standard from current EN 13432 to stricter marine degradation requirements—would render existing investments obsolete and force companies to restructure supply chains.
Industry Impact
From an industrial cluster perspective, European nonwoven production capacity is concentrated in Germany, Italy, France, and Belgium. Germany alone accounts for about 30% of Europe's nonwoven output, with wipes representing over 15% of that share. The stability of SUPD directly affects the export competitiveness of these regions. If the directive introduces new testing standards or labeling requirements, companies will need 6 to 12 months for product recertification, risking market access interruptions.
For Chinese textile exporters, the impact is equally significant. China is a major supplier of nonwoven wipes and hygiene products to Europe, with exports worth approximately EUR 1.8 billion in 2025. If a revised SUPD requires all imported products to carry third-party certification proving they are 'plastic-free' or 'biodegradable,' compliance costs for Chinese suppliers will surge. Currently, fewer than 20 Chinese companies hold EN 13432 certification, and most small and medium enterprises lack testing facilities and financial reserves.
At the raw material level, the revision's direction will directly determine the pace of substitution toward bio-based materials like PLA, viscose, and lyocell in the European market. If the EU insists on a 'marine degradation' standard, existing PLA materials—which require industrial composting facilities—may be excluded, forcing a shift to more expensive modified cellulose materials, with estimated cost increases of 30% to 50%.