An amended Waste Framework Directive (WFD) with an emphasis on textile waste was published by the European Commission.
The proposed new waste regulations aim to promote the mandatory separate collection of textile waste in the EU in 2025.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes for textiles are being proposed by the EU Commission as mandatory and standardised across all EU Member States.
As a result, producers would be responsible for paying the costs associated with managing textile waste, which the commission claimed would motivate them to cut waste and improve the circularity of textile goods.
In line with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, it was said that the action will “accelerate the development of the separate collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling sector for textiles in the EU.”
Virginijus Sinkevičius, the commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, said in a statement: “This legislative proposal is a significant step towards a more sustainable and circular textile sector, delivering on our landmark Textiles Strategy.”
The effort, according to him, will also spur investments in the infrastructure for reuse and recycling, provide jobs locally, foster innovation, and open up options for consumers to save money by choosing vintage or classic apparel over quick fashion.
