Revised Waste Framework Directive Enters into Force: Boosting Circularity and Cutting Food Waste in the EU

On 16 October 2025 the European Union put a new waste directive into action. The EU now strengthens its rules. It uses clear links between words to make the text easy to read. This directive helps the textile industry and cuts food waste. The Directorate-General for Environment leads these changes. The rules aim to lower harm to nature, spark smart ideas, and build strong economies in every country.

Sustainable Textile Waste Management: A Game-Changer for Europe’s Textile Industry

The EU textile and clothing sector earns €170 billion and employs 1.3 million people. Nearly 197,000 companies work in this field. The sector uses many natural resources. In 2020 it ranked third in water and land use. It came fifth in raw materials and greenhouse gas use.

• Waste creates a big problem. In 2019 about 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste came about. Only 20% of this waste was kept apart for reuse or recycling.

Key measures now make a clear impact:

• Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes work in every country. Producers now pay a fee when they sell textiles or shoes. This fee helps collect, reuse, and recycle waste. It also helps dispose of waste safely.

• Eco-modulated EPR fees adjust with product sustainability. The fees follow the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This change makes producers design products that last longer and can be recycled. The idea pushes the sector to act in a circular way.

• Clear classification of textile waste is set. Textiles kept apart are labeled simply as waste. This simple rule helps sort them before they are moved elsewhere. It stops illegal exports that hide waste as reusable items. This step follows the Waste Shipment Regulation.

• Social economy groups get more support. Groups that collect second-hand textiles do not pay EPR fees. Producer responsibility organisations help them. This support increases social action in reusing textiles.

Binding Food Waste Reduction Targets: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Food waste is a big social and environmental problem. Since 2020, food waste did not drop. The EU needs strong action.

• By 2030 member states must meet these targets:
  • A 10% drop in food waste during making and processing.
  • A 30% drop in food waste per person at retail and consumption levels. This level covers homes, restaurants, and cafes.

Member states must improve food waste plans by:

• Encouraging changes in behavior and building awareness.
• Using smart ideas and new tech in supply chains.
• Helping food donation. All businesses must work with food banks.

Monitoring and review happen soon:

• In 2027 the directive will be checked. The EU may change targets or extend them to 2035.
• Rules will change to count food waste when tourism makes consumption go up.

Implementation Timeline & Next Steps

• Member States have 20 months to add these rules to national laws.
• EPR schemes for textiles and footwear must work within 30 months.
• The directive names the food waste lead by 17 January 2026.
• New food waste plans must be ready by 17 October 2027. ---

Background and Strategic Context

The rule update fits with the EU’s larger plan for sustainability:

• It meets the goals of the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.
• It supports Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3 and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
• It boosts smart ideas along with rules, like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Conclusion

This updated Waste Framework Directive marks a strong step forward for the EU. The new rules tackle two major problems: textile waste and food waste. The directive sets firm duties for producers. It uses fees that change with eco-performance. It sets tough targets for food waste. It also makes food donation easier. These changes aim to build a circular economy and lower environmental harm.

This directive gives clear steps for policymakers, producers, and consumers. It shows a path to a more sustainable future and careful use of resources.

Further Information

• Targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive | EUR-Lex
• Waste Framework Directive | European Commission
• Textiles strategy | European Commission
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation | European Commission
• Food waste and food waste prevention - Statistics Explained | Eurostat

Published by Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission, 16 October 2025

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