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Revised EU Waste Framework Directive Enters into Force: Key Measures to Boost Textile Circularity and Slash Food Waste

Date: 16 October 2025
Source: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

The European Union’s revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD) came into effect on 16 October 2025, introducing pivotal policies aimed at enhancing sustainability in the textile sector and aggressively reducing food waste across Member States.

Textile Sector: Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Waste Management

The EU textile and clothing industry, accounting for €170 billion in turnover and employing 1.3 million people in 2023, faces environmental challenges including substantial impacts on water, land, raw materials, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Key provisions for textiles include:

• Mandatory EPR schemes: All EU Member States must establish Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for textiles and footwear. Producers pay fees per product placed on the market, funding collection, reuse, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of textiles.

• Eco-modulation of fees: EPR fees will be adjusted according to sustainability criteria such as durability and recyclability—aligned with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation—to incentivize eco-friendly product design.

• Uniform waste classification: Separately collected textiles are now classified as waste to ensure consistent sorting and prevent the export of unsorted textile waste mislabeled as reusable goods. Unsuitable shipments must comply with the Waste Shipment Regulation.

This approach supports circularity, reduces raw material dependency, and drives innovation in sustainable textile production.

Binding Food Waste Reduction Targets: Aiming for 2030

Acknowledging the EU’s significant food waste problem, the revised directive sets legally binding reduction targets:

• 10% reduction in food waste during processing and manufacturing.
• 30% per capita reduction at retail and consumer levels, including restaurants and households.

Member States are mandated to:

• Adapt and enhance food waste prevention programs.
• Promote behavioral change, technological innovation, and supply chain efficiency.
• Strengthen food donation mechanisms, requiring food businesses to actively propose donation agreements to food banks and charities.

The European Commission will review progress comprehensively by 2027, exploring further targets up to 2035 and adjusting for tourism-related food waste fluctuations.

Implementation Timeline and Next Steps

• 20 months for Member States to transpose the revised Directive into national law.
• 30 months to fully establish textile and footwear EPR schemes.
• Competent authorities responsible for food waste prevention must be designated by 17 January 2026.
• Updated food waste prevention programs aligned with the Directive’s provisions must be in place by 17 October 2027.

Alignment with EU Green Policies

This revised Directive complements the EU’s broader environmental ambitions, including:

• The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
• The Circular Economy Action Plan
• The Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3 on food waste reduction

Social economy enterprises handling second-hand textiles receive exemptions, supporting inclusive circular solutions.

Conclusion

The revised Waste Framework Directive marks a significant step in the EU’s sustainable transition, aiming to curtail environmental impacts from textiles and food waste while fostering economic resilience and innovation. By establishing clear responsibilities and targets, the Directive provides a robust framework for a more circular economy across Member States.

Further Resources

• Targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive | EUR-Lex
• Waste and Recycling | European Commission
• EU Textiles Strategy
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
• Food Waste Prevention | European Commission

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