European Parliament adopts new EU rules to reduce textile waste

On Tuesday, September 9, the European Parliament gave its final green light to measures to prevent waste from textiles across the EU.

Producers that make textiles available in the EU will have to cover the costs of their collection, sorting and recycling, through new producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to be set up by each member state, within 30 months of the directive’s entry into force. These provisions will apply to all producers, including those using e-commerce tools and irrespective of whether they are established in an EU country or outside the Union. Micro-enterprises will have an extra year to comply with the EPR requirements.

James Beard, head of voluntary compliance at Valpak – a brand by circular economy specialists Reconomy, said: “The European Parliament’s adoption of new rules on textile waste marks a landmark moment for the industry. The ruling means that, over the coming years, producers selling textiles into the EU will need to take direct financial responsibility for the collection, sortation, and recycling of textile products once they reach the end of their life.

“With the EU generating more than 12 million tonnes of textile waste annually, this legislation will accelerate the move towards circular business models and more sustainable consumption.

“That said, the requirements will bring added costs and operational pressures for producers at a time when many are already under strain. The challenge will be to balance these new financial obligations with the need to remain competitive.

“This regulatory shift should not be seen as a compliance burden but as a catalyst for innovation. Businesses that act early to improve data systems, redesign products with circularity in mind, and collaborate across the reuse and recycling value chain will be best placed to absorb the impact while unlocking new efficiencies and opportunities.”

The European Parliament also ruled that member states should also address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when deciding on financial contributions to the EPR schemes.

EU countries will have 20 months following its entry into force to transpose the rules into national legislation.