RLG Shares Key Takeaways from Participation in the American Circular Textile Webinar
On January 13, 2026, RLG’s Director of EPR Solutions, Andriana Kontovrakis, joined Washington State Representative Kristine Reeves and Sheila Millar, Partner at Keller and Heckman LLP, for a webinar hosted by the American Circular Textile Group.
The session, 2026 Outlook: State Policy Issues in Textile EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), brought together policymakers and industry experts to discuss the future of textile regulation, recycling, and compliance across the U.S. and beyond.
Key Policy Updates and Global EPR Insights
During the discussion, Andriana shared how textile EPR is advancing globally and underscored the growing importance of producers taking proactive steps to manage product lifecycles responsibly. She also provided an overview of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707) — a landmark EPR legislation expected to serve as a model for similar laws nationwide. Her recommendations focused on how producers can prepare now for compliance with SB 707 and other emerging textile EPR requirements around the world.
Representative Kristine Reeves discussed the textile EPR bill she introduced in Washington State (HB 1420), sharing the motivations behind the bill and her commitment to incorporating feedback from all stakeholders during its development. Meanwhile, Sheila Millar highlighted the importance of consistency in definitions and legal requirements across evolving EPR policies, a key factor for helping businesses navigate complex compliance obligations efficiently.
5 Key Takeaways
- Textile EPR is expanding worldwide, shaping how producers address end-of-life management of textiles.
- California’s SB 707 is setting a U.S. standard for responsible textile recovery and circularity.
- Proactive compliance planning helps businesses reduce costs and minimize regulatory risk.
- Consistency in EPR requirements across jurisdictions promotes clearer, more efficient compliance.
- Open stakeholder engagement ensures fair, effective EPR legislation that benefits both industry and the environment.
“It was interesting to learn directly from Representative Reeves the impetus for introducing HB 1420 and her desire to make sure the final bill version takes the thoughts of all stakeholders into consideration,” said Kontovrakis.
“With the passage of SB 707, I think we are going to see the introduction of more textile EPR bills in the U.S. over time. From a compliance and good business perspective, it’s important for producers to track legislation, be engaged, and prepare early for compliance. Taking steps to begin to prepare to meet compliance requirements early can save your company time and money while also reducing risk.”
RLG’s Role in Textile EPR Compliance
In the evolving landscape of textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), RLG supports companies through every stage of their EPR journey. Our experts offer services such as EPR Impact Analysis to identify specific legislative obligations, manage product and material data, and fulfill detailed reporting requirements under textile EPR laws.
Beyond direct producer support, RLG provides PRO Support Services, helping organizations tasked with operating Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and Stewardship Organizations (SOs) develop scalable, efficient systems. From producer engagement and stakeholder coordination to custom IT framework design, advanced data management, and operations, RLG delivers end-to-end expertise.
Backed by 30+ years of global experience in designing, managing, and optimizing PRO operations, RLG combines local regulatory insight with practical, on-the-ground implementation.
Need Support with EPR?
Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help your organization stay ahead of textile EPR regulations in 2026 and beyond.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws are subject to interpretation and change without notice, so always consult with professional advisors and refer to primary sources. Content is accurate as of publication date but may not be regularly updated.
