The European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) specifically addresses the textile sector. Recognising textiles as one of the most resource-intensive industries, the CEAP introduces initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable product design, establishing circular economy practices, and reducing waste generation within the textile industry.
To achieve the goals of the Green Deal and the CEAP, the EU has developed a sector-specific strategy, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. This strategy is a set of actions addressing sustainability throughout the entire production chain.
The Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles covers the entire lifecycle of textile products, supporting the industry's transition to green and digital practices.
Key measures under this strategy include:
- Design Requirements: Establishing ecodesign requirements to ensure textiles are durable, repairable, recyclable, and contain recycled fibres.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implementing EPR schemes to hold producers accountable for the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile waste.
- Waste Reduction: Mandating separate collection of textile waste by EU Member States by January 1, 2025, to enhance recycling and reuse efforts.
The UK has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a circular economy, aligning with principles akin to the EU's plan. In 2020, the UK government published its Circular Economy Package policy statement, outlining a revised legislative framework aimed at waste reduction and establishing a long-term path for waste management and recycling.
This strategy emphasises keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value, minimising waste, and promoting resource efficiency.
The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the UK-based charity, collaborates with businesses, individuals, and communities to achieve these circular economy goals by helping them reduce waste, develop sustainable products, and use resources efficiently.
Additionally, the UK government has introduced measures such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative, which shifts recycling costs from local councils to companies. This initiative is expected to increase product prices for items like drinks, kitchenware, and small appliances, as companies adapt to cover the costs associated with recycling and waste management.
These initiatives reflect the UK's dedication to implementing legislation and strategies that mirror the objectives of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan, tailored to the UK's specific context and policy environment.
The European Union is advancing its sustainability agenda by introducing mandatory and harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles across all Member States. On July 5, 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive, aiming to hold textile producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal.
While the proposal has been adopted by the Commission, it is currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council. The exact timeline for the implementation of these EPR schemes will depend on the legislative process and subsequent transposition into national laws by Member States. However, the EU has set a deadline requiring Member States to establish systems for the separate collection of textile waste by January 1, 2025.
In anticipation of these regulations, some countries are proactively initiating measures. For instance, Spain's leading fashion retailers, including Inditex (owner of Zara), H&M, Decathlon, Ikea, and Primark, are launching a voluntary pilot scheme in April 2025 to collect discarded clothing. This initiative aims to manage textile waste ahead of the expected EU regulations coming into force in 2026, which will mandate the separation of textiles from other waste streams.
Therefore, while the precise start date for the EU-wide EPR schemes for textiles is contingent upon the ongoing legislative process, Member States are actively preparing for their implementation, with full enforcement anticipated around 2026. More like this (GUF) - link - more like this (clothing) - link - more like this (EU) - link - more like this (EPR) - link
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