An introduction to EPR for Textiles Law in the Netherlands

Extended Producer Responsibility, commonly referred to as EPR, is an environmental policy framework that has been introduced in various industries to enhance sustainability and resource management. The textiles industry is one of the industries it has most recently been introduced to. In this blog, we will delve into what EPR is, what the objectives are, and how it will impact businesses and consumers in the Netherlands.

The Essence of Extended Producer Responsibility

EPR fundamentally redefines the role of producers and importers by holding them accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, extending beyond the point of sale and encompassing disposal and waste management. The overarching aim of EPR is to encourage companies to progressively increase the recycling and reuse rates of their products, thereby reducing the environmental impact. Notably, this concept is not limited to textiles; it is already operational in various other industries such as car tires, cars, mattresses, packaging, and electrical appliances. Importantly, EPR for Textiles legislation will be mandatory across the European Union (EU) from the year 2025.

EPR for Textiles

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles Decree is a legal obligation that will come into effect in the EU for all member states. The EU Waste Framework Directive will require member states to establish separate collection systems for textiles by January 1, 2025. However, the decree has come into force even sooner in the Netherlands and has began spring 2023. The Netherlands is among the first EU member states where the EPR decree is implemented. The EPR scheme is part of the Circular Textile Program, which supports the transition to a circular economy by 2050.

Not Sure If This Applies to You? Read On.

Are you a producer or importer of textiles? This includes consumer clothing, workwear, bedding, and household linen. If the answer is yes to one or more of these categories, then this applies to you. The EPR for Textiles Decree will hold all producers and importers of textiles responsible for collecting, recycling, reusing, and managing the waste phase of all textile-related products brought into the market. Some items, such as secondhand items, are excluded from this law.

EPR aims to create a more sustainable textile industry by shifting the responsibility from municipalities to manufacturers.

What are the targets of EPR for Textiles in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government has set specific targets in accordance with the EPR for Textiles:

• By 2025, 50% of sales on the Dutch market must be recycled or reused, increasing to 75% in 2030 and eventually reaching 100% by 2050.
• By 2025, at least 20% must be reused, increasing to 25% by 2030.
• By 2025, at least 10% of the textiles placed on the market are intended for reuse in the Netherlands, increasing to 15% by 2030.
• By 2025, at least 25% of recycled textiles must be recycled fiber-to-fiber, increasing to 33% by 2030.

Additional targets will be applied between 2025-2030, including producer responsibilities for consumer information, annual reporting, and the establishment and financing of an intake system.

How will this work?

A levy will be imposed on textile producers and importers based on the total number of kilograms of textile placed on the Dutch market. The tax paid by textile manufacturers in the Netherlands will contribute to an innovation fund aimed at promoting sustainable and circular businesses and initiatives.

If you are a manufacturer or importer according to the Textile EPR Decree, you are responsible for the separate collection and processing of discarded textiles. You must ensure that consumers and other end-users can always, anywhere in the Netherlands, and at no cost, deliver your products to a collection point. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate what happens to textile waste, and you are required to report annually on the quantity of textiles you have placed on the Dutch market, as well as whether and how the objectives of collection, recycling, and reuse have been achieved.

As a producer and importer of clothing and textiles, you have a formal individual responsibility, but you can choose to have this responsibility carried out by a collective or producer organization.

Much of the exact implementation of the EPR for Textiles is still to be defined. The upcoming period will bring more clarity and details on this matter.

EPR for Textiles is about keeping clothes in play

MENDED is committed to building a better way to keep clothes in play, a mission that aligns with the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility for Textiles. By offering services such as repairs, alterations, trade-in, and resale, MENDED not only promotes sustainability and circularity but also actively contributes to reducing textile waste. Keeping clothes in play not only benefits individuals and brands by extending the lifespan of their garments but also plays a vital role in meeting EPR objectives for textile reuse and recycling.

In short

In summary, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles is changing the role of producers and importers in the industry, by making them responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products. EPR for Textiles is set to become mandatory across the European Union by 2025, with the Netherlands taking the lead by implementing it in spring 2023. This initiative aims to create a more sustainable textile industry, shifting the responsibility from municipalities to manufacturers. Specific targets have been set, focusing on recycling and reuse percentages, as well as increasing the proportion of textiles intended for reuse. The implementation details of EPR for Textiles are still being defined, and more clarity is expected in the coming period.

At MENDED, we are building a better way to keep clothes in play, a mission that aligns with the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility for Textiles. Our products and services help fashion brands and retailers to be prepared for the EPR implementation. Got curious? Schedule a call with us and lets dive into it.