The European Parliament and Council have agreed to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for fashion and textiles. Under these regulations, fashion brands will be required to finance the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile waste.
The new measures take direct aim at the fast fashion industry, which relies on rapid production cycles and disposable clothing.
Notably, the EU is now urging member states to consider the environmental impact of ultra-fast fashion when determining financial contributions under the EPR schemes. This move marks a significant shift toward holding brands accountable for the waste they produce.
EU countries must implement these EPR schemes within 30 months of the directive’s entry into force. Currently, the EU generates 12.6 million tons of textile waste annually, with clothing and footwear alone accounting for 5.2 million tons—equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person each year.
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