Key takeaway
What This Development Means
The EU has reached a provisional agreement on revising the Waste Framework Directive, introducing EPR schemes for textiles and binding food waste reduction targets for 2030. These measures will increase manufacturer responsibility, reduce illegal waste exports, and strengthen sustainability in the supply chain. The agreement awaits formal approval before entering into force.
What is the next step for the revised Waste Framework Directive?
The provisional agreement must be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before becoming law. Once published in the Official Journal of the EU, Member States will have 20 months to transpose it into national legislation.
How will food and textile businesses need to adapt?
Food businesses must implement waste reduction strategies to meet the 2030 targets, while textile manufacturers will need to fund and comply with EPR schemes, ensuring that products are more sustainable and recyclable. Both sectors may face new compliance costs and operational adjustments.
Source basis: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_548
The European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional agreement on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive, introducing significant measures to enhance textile waste management and food waste reduction. Announced on 18 February 2025, the agreement aims to promote a circular economy and strengthen sustainability practices across supply chains.
Before becoming law, the agreement must receive formal approval from both the European Parliament and the Council. Once adopted, the revised Directive will enter into force 20 days after publication, with Member States required to transpose it into national legislation within 20 months.
New Extended Producer Responsibility For Textiles
Manufacturers To Fund Waste Management
The revised Directive mandates that textile and footwear manufacturers participate in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, making them financially responsible for waste collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling. These schemes are designed to encourage the production of longer-lasting, repairable, and recyclable textiles.
Tackling Illegal Textile Waste Exports
To prevent environmental harm, the agreement introduces stricter rules for exporting used textiles, ensuring that only properly sorted, reusable materials are shipped abroad. This measure aligns with broader efforts to curb illegal waste exports and enhance local recycling infrastructure.
Binding Food Waste Reduction Targets
Cutting Waste At Every Stage Of The Supply Chain
Under the provisional agreement, EU Member States must reduce food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing and by 30% at retail and consumption levels (including households, restaurants, and food services) by 2030. This aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which calls for halving food waste globally.
EU To Support Implementation
To help businesses and governments meet these targets, the European Commission will provide technical guidance, financial support, and best practice sharing through the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste.
Industry Implications: What Comes Next?
Manufacturers And Retailers
Textile producers will need to adjust supply chains and production processes to comply with EPR obligations.Food businesses must enhance efficiency to meet reduction targets, potentially reshaping sourcing, logistics, and waste management strategies.
Service Providers And Waste Managers
The new rules will drive investment in waste collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure, creating business opportunities for waste management firms, technology providers, and logistics operators.Stricter export regulations will require enhanced sorting technologies and compliance mechanisms.
Related Articles
WEEE Directive Revision Pushes EU Electronics Sector Towards Tougher Circularity Rules
WEEE Directive revision proposals call for tougher e-waste prevention, reuse, recycling and producer responsibility rules.
European Commission Launches Circular Economy Act Consultation
The EU launches its Circular Economy Act consultation, signalling major regulatory shifts for the chemicals and manufacturing sectors. Have your say now.
European Commission Opens Feedback On New Battery Recycling Regulation
Open for feedback until 18 October 2024, the regulation aims to ensure safe recycling processes and material recovery.
