Italy textiles legislation: What EPR rules mean for your business

With the EU accelerating its circular economy ambitions, Italy is introducing new textiles legislation aligned with the Revised Waste Framework Directive. This blog explains what’s changing, who will be affected, and how your business can prepare for compliance.


Roll of blue fabric

What is driving the Italy Textiles EPR update?

The Italy Textiles EPR update is rooted in EU policy designed to reduce environmental impact across the entire textile lifecycle.

The legislation aims to:

  • Reduce environmental impact from production to end-of-life
  • Promote reuse and recycling of textile waste
  • Encourage eco-design and sustainable materials
  • Support EU circular economy targets

For more context on EU waste policy, visit the

Scope of the Italy textiles legislation

The draft decree introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) across a wide range of textile products, including:

  • Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Accessories
  • Leather goods
  • Mattresses
  • Household textiles

It applies to:

  • Manufacturers
  • Brand owners
  • Importers
  • Retailers
  • Foreign distance sellers

Importantly, there is no minimum threshold, meaning all obligated producers must comply regardless of size.

Marketplaces also have a role and must:

  • Ensure sellers meet compliance requirements
  • Or take responsibility on their behalf

Key obligations for producers

Under the Italy Textiles EPR update, producers will face several new requirements:

Collection and take-back systems

  • Mandatory collection targets
  • Take-back obligations for textile waste
  • Physical stores must offer 1-to-1 take-back, depending on store size

Lifecycle responsibility

  • Responsibility for products from design through to disposal
  • Increased focus on sustainability and recyclability

Why businesses must act now

The draft legislation has already gone through public consultation with the

  • Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), meaning further clarity is emerging ahead of formal adoption.

If your business sells textiles in Italy, early preparation is essential to:

  • Confirm your obligations
  • Establish compliant collection systems
  • Align with future reporting and sustainability requirements

ReDress Italy: preparing for compliance

One way to prepare is by joining a compliance scheme such as

  • ReDress Italy

Pre-EPR registration is now open, allowing businesses to:

  • Get ahead of regulatory requirements
  • Ensure compliance from day one
  • Receive guidance on obligations and reporting

What this means for your business

The Italy Textiles EPR update signals a major shift toward circularity in the textile sector.

Businesses should:

  • Review product portfolios and materials
  • Assess supply chain transparency
  • Prepare for EPR reporting and financial obligations
  • Engage with compliance schemes early

Key takeaways

  • Italy will formalise textiles EPR legislation by Q2 2026
  • The rules apply to a wide range of textile products including footwear and mattresses
  • There is no minimum threshold for compliance
  • Producers must implement collection and take-back systems
  • Marketplaces share responsibility for compliance
  • Early action is critical to avoid disruption

How Valpak can help

Italy’s upcoming textiles EPR legislation is a significant step toward sustainable product responsibility. With no minimum threshold, all companies selling textiles in Italy must act now.

Here’s how you can prepare:

Written by: Rebecca Souter

Assistant International Compliance Manager

Topics:

Blog, Textiles