Prepare for the Future of Fashion: Comply, Transform, and Lead
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is reshaping the fashion industry. This comprehensive policy framework introduces a wide range of legislation impacting every stage of a product’s life cycle — from design and production to reuse, recycling, and end-of-life management.
A key aspect at the core of this strategy is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which makes fashion brands and producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products. But EPR is just one piece of the puzzle. Interconnected regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and upcoming digital product passport requirements mean that brands must now take a holistic, circular approach to compliance and design.
As a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), we are developing integrated solutions to help brands navigate these new obligations efficiently and effectively.
We understand the complexity and the opportunity that comes with this legislative shift.
EU Facts & Figures
Extended Producer Responsibilities for Textiles
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles is not just another compliance box to check; it is a strategic opportunity to lead the sustainability movement and future-proof the businesses of textile producers.
Textile consumption and production has experienced an evident increase, and it is necessary to have governing control over this. The European Union’s update to the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) introduces a bold EPR framework designed to tackle this head-on.
This updated legislation places producers at the heart of the circular economy, empowering businesses like yours to turn environmental challenges into a competitive advantage by rethinking waste, closing loops, and shaping a more sustainable textile future.
As part of its earlier revisions of the Waste Framework Directive, member states were expected to have set up a separate collection for textiles from January 1st 2025, and on the February 18th 2025, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a provisional agreement on new measures to strengthen textile waste management and reduction under WFD.
Across Europe, producers are already transforming how textiles are managed – from smarter design and material choices to advanced sorting and recycling systems. This shift not only ensures compliance with EPR legislation but also drives innovation and sustainability across the entire value chain.
Despite the pending updates at the EU level, some member states have already proceeded to introduce EPR legislation.
Producer Obligations
Who is impacted by EPR obligations?
EPR Textiles legislation applies to:
Manufacturers
Companies that make textile products within a member state. Manufacturers of textile products outside the Member state, including online suppliers, who sell directly to end users in the Member state.
Importers
Entities like wholesalers who bring in textiles from overseas to sell to retailers.
Retailers
Entities who directly buy clothing and home textiles from foreign sources also take on these responsibilities.
Your Obligations
Under EPR
As a textile producer or distributor operating in the EU, whether selling to businesses (B2B/B2C) or via online platforms, you must meet specific obligations under Textile EPR.
Stay informed with our concise summary of responsibilities covering the mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles.
Waste Management Costs
Cover expenses related to collecting, sorting and recycling textile waste.
Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
Register with a recognised PRO to manage your EPR compliance.
Data Tracking
Implement systems to track production, sales and end-of-life textile management.
Consumer Communication
Clearly inform consumers about proper disposal and recycling options for textiles.
How can we support you to meet the EU regulations?
In order to comply with EU regulations, companies need to adapt their operations in every country, raising some concerns:
- Complexity of Compliance
- Resource-Intensive Processes
- Data Management Challenges
And be aware of several diverse requirements and obligations according to:
- EPR Legislation
- New eco-design requirements
- New minimum recycled content
- Digital product passport
- New restrictions on chemical usage (PFAS)
- Different interpretations in individual countries
Summary of the progress
across specific countries
There are several countries around the world at different stages of implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR legislation). Some have fully enforced legislation while others are still in the process of drafting and finalising the legislation.
Countries with enforced legislation:
- Netherlands
- France
- Hungary
Countries with draft legislation:
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Sweden
Looking for a comprehensive, easily accessible source of information on producer responsibilities?
Search no more!
Our Global EPR Info Services keep you up to date with all relevant information on EPR regulatory tracking worldwide!
Get in touch with us and if you want to learn more Contact us for Regulatory Tracking Service – Landbell Group
Our solutions to meet your obligations:
Registration with ERP
As a company selling, importing or producing textile products in the EU, you must register with a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to transfer your EPR obligations.
Reporting
Ensure compliance with the reporting frequency and format required by the EPR scheme in the operating EU states.
Compliance Administration
Ensure ongoing adherence to EPR rules and financial contributions calculated by us based on the textiles placed on the market.
Consumer Awareness and Communication
Provide information about disposal and recycling options, and encourage responsible textile disposal by educating consumers.
Continuous Monitoring and Compliance Audits
Evaluate the program effectiveness and continuously improve/adapt business practices to align with the new EPR requirement and sustainability.
Your trusted Partner for Textiles EPR
European Recycling Platform, combined with our global presence in markets, offers unmatched cross-border expertise in textile recycling and EPR solutions. Our participation in leading industry bodies, such as the PRO Forum by Euratex, and other strategic partnerships enables us to stay ahead of regulatory trends and best practices. With a broad geographic reach and deep knowledge of evolving textile regulations, we provide strategic insights and practical solutions that help our partners navigate new challenges with confidence.
Choosing to collaborate with us means partnering with a leader dedicated to both compliance and sustainability.
Textiles compliance made simple with European Recycling Platform
ERP facilitates a closed-loop approach to textile recycling. These are the steps of the end-of-life textile management:
- Collection: Used textiles are gathered through approved collection points, ensuring they are diverted from landfills and prepared for responsible processing.
- Sorting: Textiles are sorted based on material type, quality, and condition. This is crucial to determine what can be reused, recycled or sent for energy recovery.
- Reuse: Items that are still in good condition are prepared for second-hand use, supporting the circular economy by extending the life of the garments.
- Recycling: Non-reusable textiles are processed into raw materials (e.g. fibres, insulation) to be used in new products. ERP works with certified facilities that apply innovative recycling technology.
- Manufacture of product: Recycled materials are introduced into manufacturing chains, supporting sustainable production and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
- Consumers: Products made with recycled content re-enter the market, completing the circular process and contributing to resource efficiency.
This process is supported by the EPR fees paid by textile producers and sellers, ensuring that the textile life cycle is in line with the EU regulations.
Next Steps
EU Commission Vision for 2030
All textile products placed on the EU market are:
Key actions
Design requirements for textiles to make them last longer, easier to repair and recycle, as well as requirements on minimum recycled content.
Introduce cleaner information and a Digital Product Passport.
Tackle greenwashing to empower consumers and raise awareness about sustainable fashion.
Reverse overproduction and overconsumption and discourage the destruction of unsold or returned textiles.
Timeline and Key Milestones
Prepare effectively for upcoming changes by clearly understanding timelines and expectations
