On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
On 23rd March, the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear organised the third stakeholder roundtable on extended producer responsibility(EPR). We gathered seventeen experts from recycling, reuse, manufacturing, waste management, municipalities, brands, and fiber producers to set the foundations for EPR and assess EPR as a policy instrument for textiles. The discussion focused particularly on the scope and targets of EPR.
EPR in Context
As of 2025, the EU Member States are obliged to ensure a separate collection of textiles waste in accordance with the reviewed Waste Framework Directive. This will require appropriate infrastructure and additional legislative measures to boost the re-use and recycling of textiles. To address these challenges several EU Member States including Sweden, Netherlands, andSpain are considering introducing EPR schemes, whereas France is already running its EPR scheme for textiles for more than 10 years. At the same time, the European Commission is developing EPR Guidelines, and EPR schemes might be also included in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy.[1]Thus, it is an important topic in policy discussions. If developed properly EPR could be a useful tool to manage textiles waste, support handling of the increased collection volumes and promote sustainable textiles. Below are some of the conclusions from the workshop addressing what is needed for the effective use of EPR schemes in the EU.
1. Seeking a Harmonised and Aligned Approach Across the EU
While Member States are free to develop their national EPR schemes, a harmonised approach across the EU is essential to provide an even playing field. Particularly, harmonised definitions of ‘end-of-waste’ and ‘textiles waste’ will be important in the EPR discussion. There is also a need for EPR to be aligned with the EU’s waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse where possible. At the same time, consistency with other EU policies impacting textiles should be ensured, especially the EU Textiles Strategy.
2. Defining the Scope of EPR
As part of the EPR workshop, the participants discussed which actors and products could potentially fall under the scope of EPR. The outcomes suggested that the scope of EPR should be harmonised across the EU to avoid market fragmentation whereas some textiles products would be in EPR scope in some Member States and out of scope in others. The participants also saw a need to take into account all actors in the textiles sector, including charities and different collection pathways (e.g., in-house systems). When it comes to products, a phased approach was discussed (e.g., for footwear), starting with an agreed list of in-scope products, and expanding the scope with time once the relevant recycling technologies are developed.
3. Setting the Targets
In order to create a functional EPR scheme, it will be important to set relevant targets for reuse and recycling to drive change in an effective way in line with the circularity agenda. However, some gaps need to be tackled before we are in a position to narrow down the discussion on EPR targets, mainly: having the appropriate infrastructure and technology innovation in place, agreeing on common objectives for EPR schemes, and gathering the relevant common data points at the EU level. It was also emphasised that the discussion on EPR targets should stay consistent with the upcoming Sustainable Product Policy which will address the product design targets.
Concluding Remarks
As mentioned above, the discussions revealed some of the gaps when it comes to the implementation of EPR schemes and raised other important questions, e.g., how should EPR be applied to online platforms and cross-border sales. The PolicyHub will continue the collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address these issues.
[1] For more information about the Textiles Strategy and other upcoming EU policies on textiles follow us on LinkedIn and check our webpage www.policyhub.org for updates.
