EU Textile Strategy and the Crucial Role of Extended Producer Responsibility

The document outlines the environmental crisis caused by fast fashion, specifically the over-reliance on fossil-fuel derived synthetics and the failure of current recycling systems. It proposes that the EU implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes to shift waste management costs from municipalities to producers. Key recommendations include harmonising performance targets at the EU level, using eco-modulated fees to incentivise better product design, and prioritising waste prevention and reuse over recycling. The briefing also suggests complementary policies such as a virgin plastic tax and bans on hazardous chemicals to further reduce overproduction and environmental impact.

• The fashion industry is characterized by massive overproduction and waste, with 69% of all fibre production consisting of cheap, fossil fuel derived synthetic fibres. Approximately 87% of all clothing material is lost from the system, a figure that rises to 99% when downcycling is included, while closed loop fibre-to-fibre recycling remains between 0.1% and 1%.
• Eunomia Research & Consulting recommends that while each EU Member State should implement its own EPR for textiles, key elements must be harmonised at the EU level to ensure clarity and effectiveness. These harmonised elements should include performance targets, the definition of obligated producers, and criteria for the eco-modulation of fees based on environmental design criteria.

APA

Changing Markets Foundation (2023). EU Textile Strategy and the Crucial Role of Extended Producer Responsibility. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EPR-New-Look-Briefing-Online-format-layout.pdf

Chicago

Changing Markets Foundation. EU Textile Strategy and the Crucial Role of Extended Producer Responsibility. 2023. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EPR-New-Look-Briefing-Online-format-layout.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Changing Markets Foundation |title=EU Textile Strategy and the Crucial Role of Extended Producer Responsibility |date=2023 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EPR-New-Look-Briefing-Online-format-layout.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{changingmarketsfoundation2023textile, author = {{Changing Markets Foundation}}, title = {{EU Textile Strategy and the Crucial Role of Extended Producer Responsibility}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2023}, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EPR-New-Look-Briefing-Online-format-layout.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }