Italy Unveils Draft Textile EPR Rules to Strengthen Circular Economy
-2-800x400.webp?2026-08-03T07:20:28.948Z)
Draft regulation would require producers, importers and distributors to take responsibility for post-consumer textile waste while promoting eco-design and recycled materials.
Italy has introduced a draft Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation for textiles as part of its National Strategy for the Circular Economy, aiming to improve textile waste management and encourage more sustainable production practices.
Under the proposed framework, manufacturers, importers, and large-scale distributors placing textile products on the Italian market for the first time will be responsible for managing post-consumer textile waste.
Producers to Support Textile Collection Systems
The draft regulation requires producers to establish or financially support textile collection systems and contribute to the separate collection of textile waste.
The proposal also promotes:
- Eco-design principles
- Increased use of recycled materials
- Production of durable and longer-lasting textile products
The measures are intended to improve resource efficiency while reducing textile waste.
Expanded Definition of Producer
The regulation broadens the definition of a "producer" to include importers and distributors introducing textile products into the Italian market for the first time.
According to Italy's Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the expanded definition reflects modern global supply chains and aims to address fast product turnover by encouraging higher-quality, longer-lasting textile products.
Greater Transparency and Market Oversight
The proposed rules also introduce requirements covering:
- Product traceability
- Greater transparency
- Oversight of collective producer responsibility systems
- Fair competition, including provisions applicable to online retailers
These measures are designed to strengthen accountability across the textile value chain.
Industry Welcomes the Proposal
Gilberto Pichetto, Italy's Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, said the approval of the draft regulation represents an important step towards a more sustainable production and consumption model aligned with the European Union's circular economy objectives.
Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) stated that the proposed framework would provide greater clarity for producers while supporting the development of durable, repairable and recycled textile products.
Commenting on the proposal, Sara Faccioli, Managing Director of RLG Italy, said:
"The green light of the proposed Textile EPR regulation is a landmark moment for Italy's textile sector and a significant step towards building a more circular and resource-efficient economy."
If adopted, the regulation is expected to strengthen Italy's textile circularity efforts by encouraging responsible waste management and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable textile industry.