Glossary

In the context of the textile industry, raw material refers to the basic, unprocessed substances used to create fabrics and textiles. This includes natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is an EU regulation that aims to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks. It covers all chemical substances, including those used in industrial processes and everyday products such as cleaning items, paints, clothes, furniture, and electrical appliances. This impacts most EU companies, as they are responsible for proving compliance and managing substance risks. Authorities can restrict substance use if risks cannot be managed, and in the long term, hazardous substances should be replaced with safer alternatives. REACH came into force on 1 June 2007.

In Europe, a regulation is a type of legislative act that is directly applicable and binding across all member states of the European Union (EU). It sets out specific rules and standards that must be followed by all EU countries, without needing to be incorporated into national law. Regulations ensure uniformity and consistency in areas such as trade, environmental protection, and consumer rights throughout the EU.

A resource-preserving economy focuses on using resources efficiently and sustainably. It aims to minimize waste, reuse materials, and conserve natural resources. This approach promotes practices like recycling, reducing consumption, and designing products that can be easily repaired or repurposed.

A retailer is a business or person that sells products directly to consumers. They buy goods from manufacturers or wholesalers and then offer them to customers in stores, online, or through catalogs. Retailers are the final link in the supply chain, connecting products with the people who use them.

The right to know is the principle that people have the right to access important information, especially when it affects their health, safety, or environment, to allow a better transparency and give them the opportunity to make informed choices.