Waste Framework Directive & textiles: ENVI votes

On 14 February, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) committee voted on a position for the revision of the Waste Framework Directive regarding food and textile waste.

The plenary is expected to vote on the case file on 11 March. The revision aims to reduce food and textile waste, as well as the environmental impact of waste management practices.

The Revision also confirms the obligation to set up extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles.

Moreover, it widens the scope: newly adding EPR for bulky textile items, such as mattresses or carpets by 2028. These products usually end up in landfills or are incinerated, so the revision is an important step to ensure proper waste management for these items.

Landbell Group company, European Recycling Platform (ERP) participated in the legislative process through a position paper, welcoming the EU’s ambitions to utilise EPR as a key element to manage textile waste.

The Council is expected to agree on a negotiating mandate in June, thus the trilogues will not kick off before the European elections, but are expected to start end of 2024 or beginning of 2025.

Nevertheless, and in parallel, several EU Member States are already implementing or planning national measures introducing EPR for textiles.

Landbell Group’s regulatory tracking team provides a service, monitoring these national regulatory developments.

It is not only about recycling processes and compliance, it is also about networking. ERP shares knowledge, insights, and news so that together we can promote the sustainable agenda.