Italy's Unified Conference approves EPR rules for textiles

By: BV Swagath Source: Just Style Reading time: 2 min

Italy has moved a step closer to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for textiles, following a key regulatory approval.

The regulation forms part of the National Strategy for the Circular Economy. It will require both manufacturers and large-scale distributors that first place textile products on the Italian market to assume new responsibilities for waste management.

Under the proposed rules, companies in Italy must support or organize systems to collect post-consumer textiles. These measures aim to contribute to separate waste collection targets and support the wider development of more sustainable industry practices.

Ministerial Statement

Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, said:

"The favourable opinion expressed today by the Unified Conference on the regulation introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility regime for textile products represents a fundamental step toward a more sustainable production and consumption model, in line with the European circular economy objectives."

Key Provisions

• Broadened definition of 'producer': The measures aim to include importers and distributors bringing textile goods to Italy for the first time.
• Supply chain incentives: According to MASE, this approach acknowledges changes in the global supply chain and seeks to reduce rapid product turnover by incentivizing higher quality and longer-lasting products.
• Eco-design and recycled materials: The regulation sets out requirements to encourage eco-design and the use of recycled materials across the supply chain.
• Traceability and transparency: Specific provisions address traceability, transparency, and oversight of collective systems, as well as fair competition, including measures for online retailers.

The Ministry says these rules are intended to promote a supply chain focused on efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability.

Industry Reaction

Reverse Logistics Group (RLG), an organization specializing in environmental compliance and take-back solutions, described the progress of the regulation as a major milestone in establishing a circular textile economy in Italy.

The organization noted that clearer requirements for producers will help set the foundation for a more sustainable sector, encouraging the creation of more durable and repairable products made from recycled content.

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. This is a long-awaited reform that provides businesses with greater certainty while establishing a clear framework for producer responsibility in the textile value chain."

Outlook

MASE indicated that, with these rules in place, the textile sector aims to combine environmental protection, innovation, and business competitiveness, positioning responsibility and sustainability as central elements in Italy's textile industry.

The news follows shortly after the Irish government published a draft delivery plan for its national EPR scheme for textiles.

"Italy steps closer to EPR textile rules" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.