The European textile and clothing industry is entering a new regulatory phase, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) becoming a central instrument to support circularity, waste reduction, and sustainable product design.
EU Policy Framework
At EU level, textile EPR is anchored in the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and its recent revisions. As of 1 January 2025, Member States are required to establish separate collection systems for textiles, marking a first major step towards a more circular textile economy. Building on this, the EU formally adopted textile EPR in October 2025, introducing a harmonised framework that will apply across all Member States.
The key elements of the EU framework include:
- Mandatory EPR schemes for textiles across all Member States
- A 20-month transposition period for countries to implement the legislation into national law
- A requirement for Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to be operational within 30 months
- Upcoming implementing acts on eco-modulation and end-of-waste criteria
- Further harmonisation expected through a Circular Economy Act (anticipated in 2026)
This framework aims to ensure that producers contribute financially and operationally to the collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling of textile products, while incentivising more sustainable design through mechanisms such as eco-modulation.
Timeline and What Comes Next
The coming years will be critical for implementation:
- 2025: Separate textile collection becomes mandatory across the EU
- 2025–2027: Member States transpose EPR into national legislation
- 2026–2028: National schemes are established and PROs become operational
- Beyond 2026: Further harmonisation measures at EU level
While the EU provides the overarching framework, the design and implementation of EPR schemes remain largely at national level, leading to a diverse and evolving landscape across Europe.
A Fragmented but Evolving Landscape
Across Europe, countries are at very different stages of implementation. Some countries already have operational EPR schemes in place. Others are in advanced legislative stages (draft laws or consultations). Many Member States are still in policy discussions, with implementation expected between 2027 and 2028; and a few countries have limited or no visible developments so far.
This diversity reflects differences in national waste systems, market structures, and policy priorities. It also highlights the need for coordination and harmonisation to ensure a level playing field for industry actors operating across borders.
Explore the Map
To provide a clear overview of this rapidly evolving landscape, the Textiles PRO Forum has developed a dynamic EPR action map. The map below allows you to explore:
- The status of textile EPR in each country
- Expected timelines for implementation
- The development of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)
- Key national features such as scope, reporting, and eco-modulation approaches
Explore the map below to see the latest developments in each country.