In a landmark move to tackle the growing textile waste crisis, the European Parliament has adopted new legislation that will require all producers of textiles in the EU - including online and non-EU brands - to finance the collection, sorting, and recycling of their products.

Member states must establish and implement these Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes within 30 months of the directive’s enactment, with micro-enterprises given an additional year to comply.

The rules apply broadly to clothing, footwear, accessories, hats, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, and curtains. Member states are also empowered to include mattresses under EPR regulations. Importantly, EU countries can require fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion brands to pay higher fees into textile EPR schemes, since their business models create more waste.

Significance:

• Universal coverage ensures all textile producers, regardless of size or location, bear responsibility for their products at end of life.

• Tackling fast fashion’s environmental impact recognizes the urgency of sustainable consumption.

• This measure is expected to significantly scale the circular economy, reducing landfill volumes and promoting recycling across the EU.

The Textiles Recycling Expo welcomes this vital policy step, which underscores the need for collaboration and innovation in textile sustainability. As Europe’s only platform dedicated exclusively to textile recycling, the expo will bring together industry leaders to accelerate EPR implementation and support a circular future for textiles.