EU adopts new EPR rules for textiles and food waste reduction
The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles. Under the new rules, producers selling textiles in any EU country must cover costs for collection, sorting, and recycling. The regulations apply to clothing, accessories, footwear, and household textiles, with possible expansion to mattresses. Financial contributions to EPR schemes will consider fast fashion’s impact. Producers must comply within 30 months, while micro-enterprises get an extra year. The directive applies to all, including e-commerce businesses inside and outside the EU. Additionally, binding food waste reduction targets require a 10% cut in food processing waste and a 30% per capita reduction in retail, restaurants, and households by 2030. Measures will also promote the donation of unsold food. Parliament secured provisions ensuring waste reduction while protecting the agriculture sector. Learn more about the EU’s plan for textiles.
Image source: Pexels.