Waste Framework Directive: EU Textiles – new rules are coming

Understanding the new EU Waste Framework Directive

The latest revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive introduces EPR for textiles to address the growing environmental and social impact of textile waste.

Under the new rules, producers will be financially responsible for the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile products at the end of their life cycle. This is a major shift that will affect fashion brands, retailers, importers, and e-commerce operators alike.

Key dates and deadlines

• 2025: Separate municipal textile collection becomes mandatory in all EU Member States
• 2027: Extended Producer Responsibility for textiles formally begins
• 2028: Full enforcement expected across the EU
• SMEs: Will benefit from longer implementation timelines, giving smaller businesses time to adapt

For a deeper dive into implementation timelines and national differences, you can view the European Commission’s guidance on EPR for textiles.

What products are covered?

The scope extends far beyond clothing. The Waste Framework Directive applies to a wide range of textile goods, including:

• Clothing and accessories
• Household textiles (e.g., bed linen, towels)
• Footwear and potentially mattresses

If your business places any textile-based product on the EU market, you will likely fall under the new EPR scheme.

How to prepare for the Waste Framework Directive: EU textiles

Preparation starts with understanding your producer obligations. Valpak’s Textile Compliance services can help you:

• Map affected products and producer responsibilities
• Coordinate global compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Conduct EPR impact assessments to estimate future costs
• Receive data and cost forecasting support
• Access Digital Product Passport (DPP) expertise through referral partnerships

Our team also supports ongoing Textile Horizon Scanning to help you stay informed about upcoming regulatory shifts across Europe and beyond.

Industry momentum: Who’s already implementing Textile EPR?

Several Member States, including France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, already operate textile EPR schemes, while others are moving fast to align with EU law.

For example:

• France has a long-standing textile EPR system through Refashion that could serve as a blueprint for the EU.
• Sweden launched its national scheme in 2024, ahead of the EU deadline.

These early adopters illustrate the direction of travel and underscore the need for early preparation.

Beyond compliance: Building a circular textile economy

Compliance is just one part of the picture. Through Reconomy, we provide end-to-end sustainability support for the textile industry, including:

• Collection and returns logistics
• Textile repair and rework
• Recycling and cleaning services

Together, these services help brands move beyond regulatory compliance and embrace a circular economy model that reduces waste and enhances brand reputation.

Key takeaways

• The Waste Framework Directive: EU Textiles introduces mandatory EPR by 2027
• Separate textile collection is already mandatory from January 2025
• Businesses must prepare for product scope expansion and financial obligations tied to end-of-life management
• Early planning can reduce long-term costs and streamline compliance

Next steps: Get ready for textile EPR

Is your business ready to comply with the Waste Framework Directive: EU Textiles?

Visit our Textile Compliance page to learn more.

Enquire about our Textile EPR Assessment to understand your obligations.

Explore our Textile Horizon Scanning services to stay ahead of future regulatory changes.

Get in touch today to secure your place in a compliant, sustainable future for textiles.