EU Textile Waste Directive: EuRIC Pushes For Immediate Support

The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) has welcomed the provisional agreement on the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), which aims to enhance textile waste management in the EU. The directive introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which mandate that producers take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. This measure is intended to promote sustainability and improve the circular economy within the textile sector.

While EuRIC acknowledges the directive as a positive step towards structured and responsible textile waste management, it warns that the industry is already experiencing severe economic strain. Many textile recycling businesses are struggling to maintain operations due to rising costs, lack of immediate funding and unstable market conditions. EuRIC argues that without immediate financial support, the sector may not survive long enough to benefit from the long-term advantages of the new regulations.

Zoe Didili, Communications & Press Officer at EuRIC, highlighted the critical need for swift intervention by policymakers. She stressed that while the directive provides a foundation for sustainability, there is an urgent requirement for short-term relief measures to ease financial pressures on recyclers. These measures could include subsidies, tax incentives and funding programmes to ensure that recycling companies remain viable during the transition period.

EuRIC continues to advocate for a balanced approach that integrates both sustainability goals and economic feasibility. The organization calls for clear regulations that provide stability to recycling businesses, funding mechanisms to boost innovation in textile recycling, and incentives that encourage manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices. EuRIC believes that by fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders and environmental organizations, the European textile recycling sector can thrive and significantly contribute to the EU’s green objectives.