European Recycling Platform
Driving Global Circular Solutions for End-of-use Textiles
Extended Producer
Responsibilities for Textiles
The amount of textile waste from homes in the European Union grew from 2016 to 2022, increasing by nearly 30%, from 710,000 tonnes to over 900,000 tonnes. That’s equivalent to adding nearly 200,000 tonnes of discarded clothes, shoes, and household fabrics (roughly the weight of 1,000 jumbo jets) to Europe’s waste stream in just six years.
In terms of consumption, the average EU citizen purchased about 19 kilograms of textiles in 2022, a full 2 kilograms more than in 2019. That’s roughly 50 to 60 new items per person each year, depending on the combination of clothing, footwear, and home textiles. Back in 2016, the average was even lower, estimated at around 16 kg per person. This steady growth in consumption has direct consequences: more items bought means more thrown away. And with only a small fraction of textile waste currently being recycled, most of it ends up in landfills or incinerators.
In response, the EU is introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – a bold regulatory approach under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) – designed to hold producers accountable and encourage the textile industry to move toward a more circular future.
EU Facts & Figures
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 updated Waste Framework Directive (WFD) introduces a bold EPR framework designed to tackle this head-on.
This new regulation 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 revised Waste Framework Directive, member states were expected to have set up a separate collection for textiles from 1st January 2025, and on the 18th of February 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.
Producer Obligations
Who is impacted by EPR obligations?
EPR Textiles legislation applies to:
1. 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.
2. Importers: entities like wholesalers who bring in textiles from overseas to sell to retailers. Retailers 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.
EU Regulations: What to Know
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 and diverse requirements obligations according to:
- EPR Legislation
- New eco-design requirements
- New minimum recycled content
- Digital product passport
- New restrictions on textile waste exports
- Different interpretations in individual countries
Summary of the progress
across specific countries
| Country | Separate Textile Collection | EPR for Textiles | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| France |  Yes |
Yes, since 2007 |
Most advanced in Europe |
| Netherlands | Yes |
Yes, since July 2023 |
Already operational |
| Hungary | Yes |
Yes, since 2024 |
Already operational |
| Lativia | Yes |
Yes, since 2024 |
Already operational |
| Rest of EU | Yes |
 Not yet (except above) |
Implementation preparation ongoing |
| California, USA |  No |
No |
No obligation |
| Australia | |
|
Voluntary |
| Norway/ |
No |
No |
No obligation |
| Rest of USA & Canada | No |
No |
No obligation |
Overview of volume
streams in EU in tons
Next Steps
EU Commission Vision for 2030
All textile products placed on the EU market are:
Recyclable
Repairable
Durable
To great extent made of Recycled Fibres
Free of hazardous substances
Produced in respect of social rights and environment
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.
How the industry is adapting
to a circular future
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 drives innovation and sustainability across the entire value chain.
