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

On 16 October 2025 the EU revised its Waste Framework Directive. The revision came into effect and brings new measures. These measures boost textile circularity and cut food waste. They link closely to the Competitiveness Compass and the 2024–29 Strategic Agenda. The aim is to protect the environment, build economic resilience, and spark innovation in circular practices.

Boosting Circularity in the Textile Sector

The EU textile and clothing industry drives the economy. It achieved a turnover of €170 billion in 2023. It employs 1.3 million people in nearly 200,000 companies. Yet the industry creates environmental strains. It ranks high in water and land use. It uses many raw materials and emits greenhouse gases.

Key Textile Waste Provisions:

• Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes:
  All Member States must set up EPR schemes for textiles and footwear. Producers pay fees based on the products they market.
• Eco-modulation of Fees:
  The fees adjust using clear sustainability criteria such as product durability and recyclability. This step encourages circular and eco-friendly textiles. It follows the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
• Waste Definition and Management:
  Separately collected textiles are now defined as waste. Sorting must occur before shipment. This requirement stops mislabeling and ensures reuse, recycling, or proper disposal under the Waste Shipment Regulation.
• Support for Innovation and Consumer Awareness:
  Revenues from the EPR schemes will pay for consumer education on sustainable textiles. They will also support research to improve product design and waste management.

Binding Targets to Slash Food Waste by 2030

The Directive sets firm goals to lower food waste in the EU. It aims to cut food waste during production and consumption. A target of a 10% reduction applies to food processing and manufacturing. A 30% per capita reduction applies at retail and consumption stages. These steps cover households, restaurants, and food services.

Implementation Measures:

• Member States must run food waste prevention programmes. These programmes will focus on behavioral change, supply chain efficiency, technological innovation, and stakeholder cooperation.
• Food businesses are now required to build donation agreements with food banks and redistribution entities.
• The EU plans a review in 2027. This review will check progress, find food loss causes, and may adjust targets to extend until 2035.
• Special rules address how tourism variations affect food waste.

Timeline and Next Steps for Member States

• Transposition Deadline: Member States have 20 months to integrate the revised Directive into national laws.
• EPR Scheme Establishment: Member States have 30 months to create textile and footwear producer responsibility schemes.
• Food Waste Prevention Authorities: These must be designated by 17 January 2026.
• Updated Food Waste Programmes: All must comply by 17 October 2027. ## Context and Strategic Alignment

This revision builds on the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. It aligns with the Circular Economy Action Plan. The Directive exempts social economy enterprises involved in second-hand textile collection from EPR rules. Their work supports circular economies. Eurostat and the Joint Research Centre show that food waste remains high. This evidence calls for strong binding rules to meet Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3. ---

For More Information

• Targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive | EUR-Lex
• Waste Framework Directive | European Commission
• EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles | European Commission
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation | European Commission
• Food Waste Prevention Statistics | Eurostat
• Joint Research Centre Report on Food Waste Reduction Impacts

By setting clear producer responsibilities and raising consumer awareness, the revised Directive makes a strong step forward. It cuts food waste and builds a more sustainable EU economy. Stakeholders in all sectors are urged to align their efforts with these rules. This approach supports environmental care and fuels innovation in circular product management.

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