The Council and the European Parliament reach an agreement on new textile waste rules

On February 19, the Council Presidency and representatives of the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive. This revision sets the EU’s goals for reducing food waste by 2030 and introduces measures for a more sustainable and less wasteful textile sector.

The agreement still needs to be confirmed by both institutions before proceeding to the formal adoption process.

The deal on textile waste marks a significant step towards a strong, circular, and competitive European economy, in line with the “polluter pays” principle. Additionally, for the first time, the EU is setting ambitious food waste reduction targets to promote more sustainable food systems across the Union.

Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Polish Minister for Climate and Environment

The provisional agreement establishes harmonized rules on extended producer responsibility for textile manufacturers and fashion brands. They will be held accountable for their waste and will be required to pay a fee to help fund waste collection and treatment, with costs varying based on the circularity and sustainability of their product design.

Co-legislators have agreed to tackle the issue of excessive textile waste generation and the harmful practices of ultra-fast and fast fashion. The aim is to prevent textiles from being discarded before reaching their full potential lifespan. Member States may adjust the fees paid by producers based on the durability and longevity of textile products.

The provisional agreement ensures a level playing field by including all companies within the scope of the extended producer responsibility systems. Under this harmonized framework, all businesses, including smaller ones, will have access to the necessary resources and infrastructure for proper textile waste management.

To reduce administrative burdens, micro-enterprises will have an additional year to comply with these obligations after the establishment of the extended producer responsibility schemes—bringing the total transition period to 3.5 years from the entry into force of the new rules.

The provisional agreement was reached by the Council Presidency and representatives of the European Parliament, based on the mandates of their respective institutions. It must now be approved by both the Council and Parliament before undergoing linguistic revision. Once formally adopted, EU member states will have up to 20 months to update their national laws to align with the new rules.

The Commission will be responsible for reviewing and assessing various aspects of the Waste Framework Directive. These include the funding of extended producer responsibility schemes and potential textile waste reduction targets (by 2029), as well as the role of primary production in food waste, the impact of changes in production levels, and possible updated food waste reduction targets for 2030 and 2035 (by 2027).

The EU generates 12.6 million tons of textile waste annually. Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tons, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person each year.