The targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive entered into force on 16 October 2025 introducing common rules for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles and setting binding food waste reduction targets for Member States.

It will help reduce waste, mitigate environmental damage, and enhance the EU’s economic security and resilience by driving innovation in sustainable practices and reducing dependency on raw materials, in line with the EU’s Competitiveness Compass and Strategic Agenda for 2024-29.  

Sustainable management of textile waste

The EU's textile and clothing sector is a significant economic force, generating a turnover of €170 billion in 2023 and employing 1.3 million people across 197,000 companies.   

However, textile production and consumption also have significant environmental impacts. In 2020, in the EU, the textile sector was the consumption area with the third highest impact on water and land use, and the fifth highest in terms of raw material use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, textile waste is a pressing issue, with about 12.6 million tonnes generated in 2019, of which only one-fifth was separately collected for reuse or recycling.  

The revised Waste Framework Directive introduces two main sets of measures to tackle these impacts, while boosting the competitiveness and circularity of the sector.

More information is available via the European Commission’s official page.