Textile waste management in Europe is entering a new era. The EU’s revised Waste Framework Directive has officially entered into force, setting a new standard for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the textile sector. For global brands and supply chain leaders, this marks a major shift in how textile waste will be managed across Europe. The new EU EPR Textiles rules will require producers to fund collection, sorting, and recycling, driving accountability throughout the supply chain and pushing the industry closer to a circular model.
Key insights from the EU EPR Textiles framework
On October 16, 2025, the revised Waste Framework Directive officially entered into force, introducing the first EU-wide EPR system for textiles and footwear. This marks a major step toward a harmonized framework that makes producers financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of textile products—from design to disposal.
- Mandatory EPR schemes: All EU Member States must establish national textile and footwear EPR systems by April 2028.
- Shared producer responsibility: Both EU-based and non-EU sellers must fund the collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling of textile waste.
- Eco-modulated fees: Producers pay less for durable, repairable, and recyclable products; higher fees apply to less sustainable designs.
- Flexibility for micro-enterprises: Smaller businesses have one additional year to comply.
- Unified waste classification: All separately collected textiles will be treated as waste, ensuring consistent handling across Member States.
- Linked EU initiatives: The directive complements the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to promote circular product design.
These changes form the foundation of the EU EPR Textiles framework, creating clear producer obligations and advancing the EU’s circular economy goals.
What the Waste Framework Directive means for textile producers
Under the revised Waste Framework Directive, textile producers and importers are responsible for their products throughout their entire lifecycle. The scope includes apparel, footwear, linens, curtains, and mixed-material goods that contain textiles, leather, or plastics.
This initiative responds to the reality that textile consumption is Europe’s fourth-largest contributor to environmental degradation. It aligns closely with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to promote circular design, reduce waste, and enhance traceability.
Each Member State will:
- Establish a national register for textile producers.
- Create eco-modulation systems to fund waste management.
- Authorize Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to manage producer fees and coordinate textile collection.
National authorities will supervise PROs and oversee fee collection, public reporting, and consumer education on sustainable textile use.
EPR frameworks are already well established across other EU waste streams, including packaging, electronics (WEEE), and batteries. The new textile requirements build on these models, extending producer responsibility into another high-impact sector.
For more on how EPR regulations apply across industries, explore our blogs on Complying with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and EPR Laws for Electronics and Batteries in the United States.
What are the goals of EU EPR for textiles?
The EU’s EPR textiles initiative aims to create a single, harmonized approach to textile waste management across all Member States. The directive is designed to:
- Simplify compliance for producers operating in multiple jurisdictions
- Drive circular design and durable product development
- Prioritize reuse and recycling in line with the waste hierarchy
- Encourage eco-modulated fee structures that reward sustainable design
- Reduce the environmental footprint of Europe’s textile industry
The European Commission will also develop end-of-waste criteria for textiles, clarifying when recycled materials can re-enter the market as new products. This will spur innovation and investment in circular economy infrastructure.
Globally, EPR adoption for textiles continues to expand. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) reports that EPR models worldwide are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from textile production and increase material recovery.
How can producers prepare for EPR textile legislation?
With the revised Waste Framework Directive now in force, companies should begin aligning operations with upcoming EU EPR Textiles obligations. Based on recommendations from Source Intelligence’s in-house regulatory and EPR experts, organizations can take the following steps to prepare effectively:
- Build transparent data-collection systems with suppliers and vendors
- Design products for durability, repair, and recyclability
- Review production and waste-management processes
- Explore partnerships with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
- Assess new budgetary and reporting requirements ahead of 2028 deadlines
Early preparation will position producers to comply efficiently as Member States implement their national systems and EPR requirements.
Prepare for U.S. EPR and circular economy laws with our expert-led webinar
Extended Producer Responsibility is reshaping compliance programs worldwide. To better understand how these laws are evolving—and what they mean for your business—watch our on-demand webinar: Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility Laws in the United States.
Hosted by Source Intelligence regulatory expert Anne Barr, this session covers the fundamentals of EPR, its global expansion, and the growing impact of circular economy legislation in the United States. The webinar explores current U.S. EPR laws for electronics, packaging, and batteries, highlights common compliance challenges, and shares practical steps companies can take to simplify reporting and data collection.
Watch the webinar to gain actionable insights from our compliance experts and prepare for the next wave of EPR and circular economy regulations.
