EU countries to establish EPR schemes for textiles

The European Parliament and Council have reached provisional agreement on an extended producer responsibility regime (EPR) for textiles sold across the EU.

According to the deal, producers making textiles available in an EU country will have to cover the costs of collection, sorting and recycling 30 months after the entry into force of the directive. The new rules would cover products such as clothing and accessories, footwear, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, curtains and hats. EU countries may also set up EPR schemes for the producers of mattresses.

Fast fashion

Negotiators also agreed that member states should address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when setting out the financial contributions to the EPR schemes.

These provisions would apply to all producers, including those using e-commerce tools, irrespective of whether they are established in an EU country or outside the EU. Micro-enterprises would need to comply with the EPR requirements 12 months later.

Negotiators also agreed to introduce binding food waste reduction targets at national level by 31 December 2030. These are 10% in food processing and manufacturing and 30% in retail, restaurants, food services and households.
Parliament and Council have concluded an ‘early second reading agreement’ and Council is now expected to formally adopt its position.

Minimal recycling

Every year, 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated in the EU. Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tonnes of waste, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person every year.

With the current emphasis on reuse, it is estimated that less than 1% of all textiles worldwide are recycled. Under existing rules, EU countries were required to set up separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025.