Textile EPR Italy: As sustainability becomes an integral part of global business practices, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks are increasingly shaping industries, particularly in Europe. Italy is no exception, and recent developments are placing textiles in the spotlight. Here’s what producers, importers, and stakeholders in the textile industry need to understand about EPR for textiles in Italy.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
EPR is a policy approach under which producers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially at the post-consumer stage. This means manufacturers, importers, and distributors of goods must ensure proper waste management, recycling, or disposal of their products.
For textiles, EPR includes obligations to manage clothing, footwear, and other textile products sustainably, preventing them from ending up in landfills or incineration facilities.
Textile EPR Italy: Legislative Landscape
In recent years, Italy has taken significant steps to align with the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, which identifies textiles as a priority sector. Under the EU Waste Framework Directive, member states are required to establish separate collection systems for textile waste by 2025.
Italy is among the countries moving swiftly to meet these requirements. It is expected that the collection system Erion Textiles will be in place and functioning starting 01.01.2026. Obligated manufacturers and online retailers will be required to register in Italy from that point onward. With our digital EPR consulting service, we keep our customers consistently up-to-date on their individual obligations.
Some key legislative milestones for textile EPR Italy:
Italy already mandates separate collection of textiles, making it easier to recycle and repurpose used clothing and fabric waste.
Companies operating in Italy are being encouraged to adopt eco-design principles, ensuring their products are durable, recyclable, and less harmful to the environment.
Producers may soon face stricter requirements to report their production volumes and manage waste, including funding recycling initiatives.
Textile EPR Italy: Who is affected?
The responsibility for Textile EPR Italy primarily falls on:
- Producers: Companies manufacturing textiles or placing them on the Italian market.
- Importers: Businesses importing textile goods into Italy.
- Online sellers: E-commerce platforms selling directly to Italian consumers may also be subject to EPR obligations.
Textile EPR Italy: Producer responsibilities
Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for textiles in Italy, producers have several key obligations. They are required to finance waste management systems, ensuring the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of textile waste. Additionally, eco-design plays a crucial role, as producers must develop products that minimize environmental impact and are easier to recycle. Clear labeling is also mandatory, providing consumers with information on how to properly recycle or dispose of their products. Lastly, producers must submit detailed reports on their production and waste management efforts to ensure transparency and compliance.

Textile EPR Italy: Compliance checklist
To prepare for EPR obligations, textile companies in Italy should:
- Get help from ecosistant: Contact us for a consultation
- Understand the legislation: Stay updated on Textile EPR Italy and EU regulations related to textiles.
- Conduct a waste audit: Assess the lifecycle of your products and the waste generated.
- Collaborate with consortia: Join industry organizations or waste management consortia to share responsibilities and costs.
- Adopt eco-design: Invest in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
- Educate consumers: Develop clear communication strategies to guide customers on disposal and recycling.
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Looking ahead
As Italy continues to refine its approach to EPR for textiles, businesses must adapt to stay compliant and competitive. While challenges exist, the transition to a circular economy offers significant long-term benefits for the environment, businesses, and society at large.
Stay informed and take proactive steps today to ensure your company thrives in the evolving landscape of textile responsibility in Italy.
For detailed guidance on Italy’s EPR regulations for textiles, you may consult local regulatory bodies, join industry consortia, or work with compliance experts from ecosistant specializing in waste management. Feel free to contact us, if you have any questions.
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