Waste Framework Directive: Parliament adopts new EU rules on textiles

On 9 September 2025, the European Parliament gave its final approval to the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD).

Following its publication in the Official Journal on 26 September, the Directive will now officially enter into force 20 days later, on 17 October 2025.

Member States then have 20 months to transpose the new provisions into national law.

Beyond the new binding food waste reduction targets, the Directive establishes extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, to be set up in all Member States within 30 months of entry into force.

Producers of clothing, footwear and household textiles will be responsible for covering the costs of collection, sorting and recycling.

The scope covers a wide range of products – from clothing and footwear to hats, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, and curtains. Member States may also extend the rules to include mattresses.

Importantly, the Directive allows for eco-modulated fees, enabling authorities to charge higher fees for less sustainable products, and to incentivise the use of recycled fibres in new products.

A long-awaited turning point

Every year, the EU generates around 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste. Less than 1% of textiles worldwide are currently recycled back into new textiles.

The Directive therefore underlines the importance of scaling up recycling and reuse infrastructure, particularly fibre-to-fibre recycling, to keep textiles in the loop and reduce Europe’s reliance on virgin raw materials.

For recycling and reuse operators, the long-awaited adoption of the Directive is a decisive signal: mandatory EPR for textiles across the EU will provide the financial certainty needed to expand infrastructure.

The European textile industry has faced growing pressure in recent years, with bankruptcies looming as companies struggle to operate in the absence of a harmonised framework.

The adoption of the new rules marks a long-awaited turning point, offering the stability and support needed for investment and innovation in textile recycling.

Deadlines and support

Member States must transpose the new WFD by June 2027 and establish functioning EPR schemes for textiles by April 2028. Micro-enterprises will have an additional year to comply. A first review of progress is scheduled for 2029.

Several Member States have already implemented EPR obligations for textiles and others have communicated draft legislation.

Landbell Group is helping producers to fulfill existing obligations and prepare for future ones.

To date, the Group has set up producer responsibility organisations in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

Its regulatory monitoring service also makes sure producers are aware of 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.