Revised EU Waste Framework Directive Enters into Force: Key Measures for Textile Circularity and Food Waste Reduction

On 16 October 2025, the EU revised the Waste Framework Directive. The EU now aims to improve sustainability in textiles. The changes cut food waste across Member States. They align with the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024–29 and the Competitiveness Compass. The update drives circularity, lowers environmental impact, and boosts economic strength.

Tackling Textile Waste with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Economic and Environmental Context

• The EU textile and clothing sector earns €170 billion (2023) and employs 1.3 million people in 197,000 companies.
• Environmental data (2020) show high water and land use, high raw material use, and high greenhouse gas emissions.
• In 2019, textile waste reached 12.6 million tonnes. Only 20% was collected for reuse or recycling.

Directive Measures

• All Member States must build EPR schemes for textiles and footwear. Producers pay fees that depend on product durability and recyclability. Fees support collection, reuse, recycling, and awareness efforts.
• The Directive sets a uniform waste classification. All collected textiles are classified as waste. This rule keeps sorting close and stops mislabelling waste as reusable. It also enforces the Waste Shipment Regulation.
• Social economy enterprises that manage second-hand textiles are exempt from EPR fees. They can run their own collection systems.

These measures encourage eco-design and circular product life cycles and secure funds for waste management.

Binding Targets to Slash Food Waste by 2030

Reduction Goals

• The Directive calls for a 10% cut in food waste during processing and manufacturing.
• It also sets a 30% cut per person at retail and consumption. This target covers restaurants, food services, and households.

Implementation Measures

• Member States must update their prevention programs. They use behavioral interventions, awareness campaigns, and new technology.
• All supply chain actors work together to fix inefficiencies.
• Businesses must propose donation plans with food banks. This rule helps food reach those in need.

Monitoring & Future Review

• By 2027, the European Commission reviews the program. It studies the causes of food losses. The Commission may change targets after 2030, perhaps up to 2035.
• Future rules will also cover food waste in tourism.

Timeline for Member States

• By 17 January 2026, Member States must name an authority for food waste prevention.
• Within 20 months, the Directive must become national law.
• Within 30 months, EPR schemes for textiles and footwear must start.
• By 17 October 2027, enhanced food waste prevention must be in place.

Background and Broader Impact

This update meets the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 on food waste reduction. Recent data show food waste levels did not fall. The new targets and coordinated actions are needed.

The Directive shows strong EU leadership on sustainability. It opens doors for innovation, better resource use, and active social economy roles.

Further Information

• Targeted Revision of the Waste Framework Directive - EUR-Lex
• Waste Framework Directive - European Commission
• EU Textiles Strategy
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
• Food Waste Prevention and Statistics - Eurostat

This Directive marks an important step in EU environmental policy. It sets the stage for a circular textile industry and cuts food waste over the next decade. Readers interested in sustainable design, circular economy innovations, and waste management will follow these policy updates with interest.

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