Textiles Compliance

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation holds textiles manufacturers, importers, and brand owners responsible for minimising the environmental impact of their goods throughout their lifecycle. The legislations also ensures that these businesses financially contribute to activities such as material recycling, recovery, and disposal, as well as raising awareness among consumers.

In 2019, the EU generated 10.9 million tonnes of textile waste annually, averaging around 15 kilograms of waste per person each year. Products are not always designed for durability often only worn once and are frequently difficult to recycle. It is estimated that less than 1% of all textiles worldwide are recycled into new products. This has a huge impact on the environment and EPR is a regulation to support the reduction.

A textiles Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) actively manages the environmental impacts of textile products throughout their lifecycle. EPR holds manufacturers and producers accountable for the waste their products generate, even after consumer use. A PRO, also known as a compliance scheme in some countries, takes over key responsibilities such as collection, reporting, and recycling. As a result, it effectively manages these tasks on behalf of producers.

France was the pioneer in implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, introducing the regulation in 2008. 

In the Netherlands, a new law took effect in July 2023, requiring producers to pay a fee for textiles introduced to the Dutch market. Producers registered and reported in 2023 but didn’t pay fees. In 2024 producers will pay a small fee to facilitate the implementation of the infrastructure associated with the regulation and with the full implementation expected by 2025.  

Latvia also updated its regulations in March 2023, mandating that producers cover the costs associated with the collection, processing, and recycling of textile waste. This will be through a fee paid to the government known as the Natural Resource Tax.  

Additionally, proposed changes to the EU Waste Directive could lead to the mandatory adoption of Textiles EPR across all EU countries by the end of 2024. 

Generally, the obligated stakeholders or ‘producers’ are the first entities to introduce textile products into the market. This includes manufacturers and importers within the country, as well as suppliers from abroad. The obligation applies whether the products are sold to other companies for resale, directly to end users such as consumers or businesses, or through e‑commerce platforms that sell into the country. However, requirements can vary by country, adding complexity to determining whether you are obligated to comply with local regulations. 

The items that fall within the scope of textiles EPR can vary depending on the specific country regulations but generally include the following categories: 

• Clothing – Consumer clothing and workwear, including uniforms and safety outfits  

• Household Textiles – Table linen, bedding, towels, and in some case curtains, drape and other household fabrics like cushion covers  

• Footwear – Although excluded in some countries, in some cases regulations may include footwear (such as in France and Netherlands) 

However, this classification may vary depending on each country’s regulations. Typically, the obligations do not extend to other textile products like, belts, headgear, blankets, curtains, and cleaning cloths. 

Each country or region will set specific deadlines for registering, reporting, and paying fees. Producers must stay informed about these deadlines to avoid penalties. Once the EPR system is in place, the first step for producers is to register with a PRO. The registration process usually involves providing information about the types of products sold, and the volume of textiles placed on the market. 

After registration, producers need to report annually on the quantities of textiles placed on the market and how producers manage post-consumer textile waste. These reports typically include details on recycling, take-back programs, and efforts to reduce environmental impact. 

EPR schemes require producers to pay fees based on the volume of textiles they place on the market, often adjusted by eco-modulation. These fees help fund waste management and recycling systems. 

Discover the full range of services offered through Reconomy’s ReDress program, tailored to help businesses manage the complexities of textiles Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). With our specialized expertise, we provide solutions customized to meet your unique needs. 

Our services include: 

Horizon Scanning: 
Stay ahead of the curve with our international compliance team, delivering insights on environmental legislation to help you navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape and mitigate risks effectively. 

Data Management: 
Leverage data for smarter decision-making in a complex regulatory environment. Our advanced data management and state-of-the-art tools streamline compliance reporting, boosting efficiency. 

International Compliance: 
Whether guiding you through the entire compliance process or providing targeted support at critical stages, our global Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) operation simplifies your compliance efforts. 

It reduces landfill waste, improves recycling systems, drives innovation in textile recycling, and promotes sustainable, durable product design.