Italy has moved a significant step closer to implementing Textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) after the Italian Ministry for the Environment confirmed that the Unified Conference has given the green light to the proposed regulation.
The green light marks a major milestone in Italy’s transition towards a circular textile economy. As one of the flagship measures within Italy’s National Circular Economy Strategy, the framework introduces greater regulatory clarity for producers while creating the foundations for a more efficient, transparent and sustainable textile value chain. The regulation establishes clear requirements for producer responsibility, supports improved product design and durability, encourages the use of recycled materials, and strengthens the management of textiles at end of life.
Commenting on the announcement, Sara Faccioli, Managing Director at RLG Italy, part of the Reconomy Group, 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.
“The regulation introduces important measures that will help transform how textiles are managed in Italy. It creates clear responsibilities for producers to finance and organise the collection and treatment of textiles at the end of their lifecycle, while also encouraging higher-quality products, greater durability, increased repairability and the use of recycled materials. The emphasis on traceability and transparency throughout the system will be essential to supporting a more effective and sustainable textile sector.
“For producers placing textiles on the Italian market, the direction of travel is now much clearer. Businesses should use this time to understand how the new obligations will apply to them, evaluate their product data and reporting capabilities, and begin preparing their compliance strategies ahead of implementation.
“Italy’s framework also sends an important signal to the wider European market. While implementation will differ between Member States, businesses operating across Europe should recognise that producer responsibility for textiles is rapidly becoming a reality. Companies that start preparing now and adopt coordinated compliance approaches will be best placed to meet future obligations efficiently and support the transition towards a more circular textile industry.”
