EU Publishes Revised Waste Framework Directive Introducing Mandatory Textile EPR
The European Union has officially published the revised Waste Framework Directive (Directive (EU) 2025/1892) in the Official Journal, setting the stage for significant changes in textile waste management across member states. As a Directive, it must be transposed into national law by each EU Member State, meaning compliance requirements may vary from country to country.
Formally adopted by the European Parliament on 10 September 2025, the updated Directive introduces mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles. Producers placing products on the EU consumer market—including online sellers and non-EU entities—will be required to finance the collection, sorting, and recycling of those products. Individual member states will determine the specific requirements for their national Textile EPR schemes.
The scope of the Directive covers clothing, footwear, accessories, household linen, curtains, and potentially mattresses, depending on individual Member State decisions. Eco-modulated fees will be implemented to encourage the design of more durable, repairable, and recyclable products.
The Directive was published on 26 September 2025 and will enter into force 20 days later, on 16 October 2025. Member States will have 30 months to implement their EPR schemes, with micro-enterprises granted an extended period of 42 months. Textile EPR systems are therefore expected to be operational across the EU by 2028.
The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) will continue to monitor national developments and provide updates following the adoption of the Directive. Once national requirements are confirmed, UKFT will produce guidance to support industry compliance, including updates to the UKFT Guide to Textile EPR.
