For the first time, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) becomes mandatory for textiles and footwear across all EU Member States — reshaping how the sector designs, produces, and manages textile waste.
This is more than a policy change — it’s a blueprint for a circular textile economy.
A Sector Ready for Transformation
The EU’s textile and clothing sector is a major economic force — generating €170 billion in turnover in 2023 and employing 1.3 million people across 197,000 companies.
Yet, its environmental footprint remains significant:
- In 2020, textiles ranked third for water and land use impact and fifth for raw material use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Around 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste were generated in 2019, but only 20% was collected separately for reuse or recycling.
- Less than 1% of used textiles are recycled into new garments (EEA, 2023).
The revised Directive directly targets these challenges by embedding sustainability into the core of the textile supply chain.
What the Directive Introduces
- Mandatory EPR Schemes
All EU countries must establish EPR systems for textiles and footwear within 30 months.
Producers will pay a fee for every product placed on the market, covering its collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling. - Eco-Modulated Fees
Fees will vary depending on durability, repairability, and recyclability — rewarding circular design and discouraging fast fashion models. - Uniform Waste Classification
All separately collected textiles will now be classified as waste, ensuring consistency across Member States and preventing illegal exports disguised as “reusable goods.” - Innovation and Awareness Support
Funds collected through EPR will be used to finance consumer education, research, and R&D in sustainable design and advanced recycling technologies.
Key Implementation Timeline
| Milestone | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Separate textile collection | Begins across all Member States | 1 January 2025 |
| EPR integration into national law | Member States transpose the Directive | 17 June 2027 |
| EPR schemes fully operational | PROs (Producer Responsibility Organisations) active | 17 April 2028 |
Why It Matters
This Directive delivers on the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the European Green Deal, with goals to:
- Reduce textile waste by up to 30% by 2030
- Create over 150,000 green jobs in sorting, collection, and recycling
- Drive innovation in sustainable materials and traceability
The reform also strengthens Europe’s economic resilience by cutting dependency on virgin raw materials and promoting green competitiveness.
The Road Ahead
The message is clear:
By 2028, circularity will no longer be optional — it will be the standard.
Those who design, produce, and trade responsibly today will define the future of fashion tomorrow.