EPR compliance management for textiles under the EU Revised Waste Framework Directive
Last October 16th, the European Union’s (EU) targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) officially entered into force, setting the foundation for a harmonized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for textile products across Member States. This marks a major step toward improving EPR compliance management for textiles, supporting circular economy goals, and reducing environmental impact from textile waste.
This change will significantly reshape how textile producers and distributors manage their obligations across Europe. Below, we explore the key updates, their implications, and how businesses can prepare to stay compliant.
Table of Contents
Understanding the background: The growing problem of textile waste
The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the world. Every year, clothing and footwear alone generate around 5.2 million tonnes of waste, equivalent to 12 kg per person. Unfortunately, less than 1% of all textiles globally are recycled into new products.
Much of this waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, releasing harmful emissions and wasting valuable materials. With the EU’s growing focus on circular economy principles, the new EPR compliance management framework for textiles aims to close the loop by holding producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products.
What the revised Waste Framework Directive means for producers
Mandatory EPR schemes for textiles and footwear
All EU Member States are now required to establish EPR schemes for textiles and footwear based on shared EU-wide principles. Similar to the EPR systems for WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and batteries, textile producers will pay a producer responsibility fee for each item placed on the market.
These fees will fund collection, sorting, re-use, recycling, and responsible disposal operations. This structure not only improves EPR compliance management but also ensures financial responsibility aligns with environmental impact.
Eco-modulated EPR fees to drive sustainability
Under the new rules, EPR fees will be modulated according to sustainability criteria such as durability, recyclability, and design quality. Inspired by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), this system incentivizes producers to create more circular, repairable, and eco-friendly textiles.
By linking EPR costs to product sustainability, the EU effectively rewards greener design choices, a major step toward aligning compliance with innovation.
Managing textile waste responsibly
The Directive clarifies the definition of “used” versus “waste” textiles. From now on, all separately collected textiles are to be treated as waste unless properly sorted and certified for re-use. This ensures consistent enforcement across Member States and prevents the export of unsorted waste falsely labeled as reusable goods.
Funds collected through EPR schemes will also support consumer education, research, and development projects to improve textile design, waste prevention, and recycling technologies.
This means that EPR compliance management is no longer just about meeting legal requirements, it’s a lever for innovation and sustainability in the textile sector.
Implementation timeline and compliance roadmap
Member States have 20 months to transpose the revised Directive into national legislation and 30 months to establish their EPR schemes for textiles and footwear.
By January 17, 2026, Member States must designate the authorities responsible for food waste prevention, and by October 17, 2027, they must adapt national programs accordingly.
For businesses, this means the clock is already ticking. Companies that act early and audit their textile supply chains and setting up compliance management systems, will be better positioned to meet requirements and avoid unpleasant consequences.
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