Ten leading Spanish fashion companies, including Zara, Inditex, H&M, Ikea, Decathlon, and Primark, will initiate a year-long trial for textile waste management beginning in April 2025, as reported by Reuters.
The initiative aims to separate shoes, clothing, and other textiles from regular waste for recycling and reuse, organized by project leader Revista. This voluntary program aligns with upcoming EU regulations expected to take effect in 2026.
According to the EU’s waste framework directive, “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes require producers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, especially at the end of their life cycle.”
Marta Gomez, director of quality and environmental assessment at Spain’s energy transition ministry, informed fashion leaders at a recent Madrid event that the country is awaiting EU approval before implementing new rules for fashion companies. Industry sources and government officials anticipate that companies will need at least a year to adapt to these regulations.
“The regulation provided direction, but we chose not to wait and are complying with legal requirements,” stated Andres Fernandez, president of Re-viste and head of sustainability at Mango, one of the participating retailers.
Under the proposed regulations, companies will face increased costs related to the volume of clothing and shoes sold, as their financial contributions will depend on the circularity and environmental performance of their products. The EU directive emphasizes promoting research and innovation in circular textile technologies and supporting social enterprises involved in the collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling of textiles.
Moreover, the directive addresses the issue of textile waste accumulation and its exportation to poorer countries, a practice referred to as “waste colonialism.” The proposal aims to mitigate illegal waste shipments disguised as reusable textiles, ensuring that any exported textile waste is managed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Related Topics:
