The textile industry in Germany is facing new rules; the “Dialogue for Impact and Sustainable Textiles” (DST) and planned Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aim to improve textile recycling. For producers, retailers and brands, the key issues are clear rules, producer responsibility and costs. It is still unclear which goals will be enforced.
Textile recycling and EPR
At the 13th International Used Textiles Day, the industry supported EPR but warned against too much central control. The bvse says producers should pay more for collecting and recycling their textiles. Specialist companies should continue to manage collection, sorting and recycling.
Poor textile quality is a major challenge. Fast fashion, rising imports and contaminated textiles make recycling harder and more expensive. Products should therefore be durable, repairable and recyclable from the start.
How could textile EPR work?
The EAR Foundation, which manages registration systems for electrical products, could be a precedent. A central body could register and monitor producers, while private companies continue to handle collection and recycling.
Companies that develop clear supply chains, recyclable products and take-back systems early will be better prepared for new rules. A draft German Textiles Act is being prepared and could be presented this summer. The key question is whether EPR will improve recycling or mainly increase costs.
VERE e.V. is in contact with the relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed of further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
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