'
EPR schemes across the EU would be harmonised, along with modulated fees to encourage sustainability. As part of a package of measures under a ‘Green Deal’ the Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles also proposes new ecodesign requirements for textiles and a digital product passport. In addition, incoming rules on waste shipments will only allow the export of textile waste to non-OECD countries "under certain conditions".
The Commission said it wanted to see textiles be “more durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable” and that “their production takes place in full respect of social rights”. Plans include strengthening industrial competitiveness in the sector to increase the EU market for textile reuse.
European consumption of textiles accounts for the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change, after food, housing and mobility.
The move prompted the Textile Recycling Association (TRA) to urge for similar measures in the UK. It called on the Government to commit to EPR for textiles when it publishes a consultation on textiles, scheduled for later this year.
TRA chief executive Alan Wheeler said: "If we don’t have a re-use or recycling economy, we don’t have a circular economy. The TRA therefore welcomes the pledge by the EU to implement regulatory measures such as EPR and to ensure that a notable share of contributions made through EPR will go towards waste prevention, re-use and recycling.”
The TRA also wants the UK to mirror the Commission's plan to introduce separate textile collections from households by 2025.
Commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “Our circular economy proposals kick off an era where products will be designed in a way that brings benefits to all, respects the boundaries of our planet and protects the environment.
“Giving a longer lifespan to the phones we use, to the clothes we wear and to many other products will save money for European consumers. And at the end of their life products will not be a source of pollution, but of new materials for the economy, decreasing the dependency of European businesses on imports.”
Other measures under the Green Deal include extending the type of goods liable for ecodesign rules and revising construction products regulations.
Construction products will be required to be “more durable, repairable, recyclable and easier to re-manufacture”. Executive vice-president for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans said: “It's time to end the model of ‘take, make, break, and throw away' that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy.
“Today's proposals will ensure that only the most sustainable products are sold in Europe. They allow consumers to save energy, repair and not replace broken products, and make smart environmental choices when they are shopping for new ones.
“This is how we bring balance back in our relationship with nature and reduce our vulnerability to disruptions in global supply chains.”
'