Italy steps closer to EPR textile rules

Italy has moved closer to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for textiles, following a key approval by the Unified Conference. The regulation, part of the National Strategy for the Circular Economy, will require manufacturers and large-scale distributors that first place textile products on the Italian market to assume new responsibilities for waste management. Companies must support or organize systems to collect post-consumer textiles, contributing to separate waste collection targets. The measures broaden the definition of 'producer' to include importers and distributors, aiming to reduce rapid product turnover by incentivizing higher quality and longer-lasting products. The regulation also sets requirements for eco-design, use of recycled materials, traceability, transparency, and oversight of collective systems, including measures for online retailers. Minister of the Environment Gilberto Pichetto called it a fundamental step toward sustainable production. Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) described the progress as a major milestone for Italy's circular textile economy. The news follows Ireland's publication of a draft delivery plan for its own textile EPR scheme.