Waste Framework Directive: MEPs call for further changes on textiles

On 5 July, the European Commission presented a proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), focusing on food and textile waste.

The proposal introduced mandatory and harmonised extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, textile-related products, and footwear in all EU countries. The proposal also sets requirements to ensure that textile waste is managed in line with the waste hierarchy.

In the European Parliament, Anna Zalewska, rapporteur for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) presented her draft report on 24 October.

Among other amendments, the report proposes an EU-wide obligation to set up separate collection points for used and old clothes to strengthen waste prevention and promote re-use and recycling, so that less and less recyclable materials end up in waste incineration or landfills.

Also, EU-wide targets for the separate collection, recycling and reuse of textiles are proposed for 2030.

The vote in the ENVI committee is planned for February 2024, and a vote in plenary in March.

An adoption of the revision of the WFD will not therefore be possible before the European elections next year.

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