Call for Tenders: Ecodesign for textile – focus on minimum requirements and material efficiency
ECOS seeks to commission a study to identify and specify minimum requirements for circular textiles, focusing specifically on material efficiency aspects (primarily focusing on durability, some aspects of reusability, repairability, recyclability) and exploring ways to drive more environmentally responsible design of textile products through policy and standard recommendations.
Textile products should be designed for a long useful life and should be easy to re-use, repair or recycle. This includes the minimal use of virgin non-renewable resources, zero use and discharge of hazardous chemicals throughout the entire value chain and extending the life of products. Higher quality textiles will promote the use and reuse of those products for as long as possible and therefore circularity.
The study is also intended to provide contribution to the implementation of the EU’s Product Policy Framework contributing to the Circular Economy, and its efforts to promote the ecodesign principles to textile products. Improved enforcement mechanism should also be investigated.
The contractor will be asked to identify a list of minimum requirements for textile on the EU market, in terms of durability and phase out substances of concern from the entire value chain, durability standard and design for longevity, for reuse and recycle.
The study will focus on textiles and more specifically on clothes and garments. Based on several studies, clothes (in particular tops, underwear, jackets, and bottoms) have the highest environmental impact. Specific fibres and materials should be assessed carefully, such as cotton, polyester, polyamide, rayon, elastane, viscose, and their mix (including the most common one, polycotton). Chemical additives should be investigated as well, including dyes, anti-wrinkle agents, water repellents, flame retardants or antibacterial agents and their wider effect on circularity. Moreover, different yarns and way of spinning and weaving should be considered as well.
Tender preparation
Tenderers are requested to submit a proposal by 12:00 CET 17 August 2020 outlining:
- A brief description of the tenderer’s understanding of the analysis demanded.
- A description of the anticipated activities to achieve the desired analysis.
- A description of how close coordination with ECOS will be ensured throughout the project.
- A description of the proposed outputs, including a draft structure for the full report.
- A detailed timeline on milestones and deadlines.
- Budgeting for each element of the work.
- Biographies and time availability of the key staff delivering the work, as well as their areas of expertise.
Budget
The budget available for this work is €15,000, excluding VAT, and all other costs incurred by the subcontractor. The table below provides an indication of percentage of time against the headlines of the different activities.
