EU Calls For Tougher Rules To Reduce Textiles Waste
At a meeting of members of the European Parliament (MEP), they called for tougher EU rules to reduce textiles waste.
MEPs adopted their first reading position on the proposed revision of the Waste Framework with 514 votes in favour, 20 against and 91 abstentions.
They proposed higher binding waste reduction targets to be met at national level by December 31, 2030
MEPs agreed to extend producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, through which producers that sell textiles in the EU would have to cover the costs for collecting, sorting and recycling them separately.
Member states would have to establish these schemes 18 months after the entry into force of the directive, compared to 30 months proposed by the European Commission.
The new rules would cover products such as clothing and accessories, blankets, bed linen, curtains, hats, footwear, mattresses and carpets, including products that contain textile-related materials.
In adopting this report, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations to apply circular economy principles and implement an ambitious sustainable textile strategy and grow environmental standards.
Every year, 12.6 million tons of textile waste is generated in the EU. Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tons of waste, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person every year.
