[pageLogInLogOut]

#Associations

EURATEX contributes to the EPR policy debate by highlighting the positive and negative aspects of this system.

“Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) aims at ensuring that producers contribute financially to the costs of waste management. Indeed, EPR obliges producers to take operational or financial responsibility for the end-of-life phase of their products. EPRs then become an economic instrument to stimulate better design and reduce such costs.

The European Union regulated EPRs in the 2018 Waste Directive, which introduces minimum requirements for the Member States to establish EPRs, in the sectors and cases they see it fit.

The problem is that most of the current EPRs were designed for a linear economy models. They were applied in sectors as packaging, vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment. In these sectors, EPRs gained some support, based on positive experiences in value chains.

Nevertheless, it is not proved that EPRs are the appropriate policy tool to boost circular economy and broader sustainability across the textile value chains. This requires thorough consideration of the possible benefits, limits and unintended consequences.



That’s why EURATEX recommends that:

1. EPR should be designed to support circularity?

2. EPR should value different Textiles?

3. EPR should solve real problems?

4. No contradictions in EPR schemes for textiles across the EU?

5. There should be agreement for 1 single Eco-modulation concept?

6. EPRs scheme should not bear detrimental unintended consequences?

7. EPR should enable CE through cooperation and shared responsibility

To know more about each single recommendation, read the full position paper on EPR:

https://euratex.eu/wp-content/uploads/EPR-position-paper-FIN.pdf


More News from European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX)

#Associations

Europe is losing its textile industry

EURATEX has released its latest Economic Update on the performance of the European textile and apparel industry in 2025. For the third consecutive year, the sector recorded negative results across all key indicators — production, turnover and employment — confirming a continued erosion of competitiveness across Europe.

#Associations

European Business Coalition welcomes provisional application of EU–Mercosur Agreement and calls for Swift and full implementation

With the European Commission’s decision to provisionally apply the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, a process spanning more than 25 years now moves decisively into its implementation phase.

#Europe

Antwerp Declaration community urges EU leaders to deliver emergency measures as Europe’s competitiveness crisis deepens

EURATEX, representing the European textile and fashion industry, joins the Antwerp Declaration Community’s call on EU Heads of State and Government to adopt emergency measures that restore industrial competitiveness and deliver tangible results for Europe’s manufacturing base in 2026.

#Europe

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

More News on Associations

#Techtextil 2026

VDMA members at Techtextil: Smart technologies for technical textiles

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0.

#Techtextil 2026

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

#Texprocess 2026

Between investment restraint and modernization pressure

Texprocess 2026 takes place in a complex market environment shaped by uncertainty and innovation pressure. In this interview, Elgar Straub (VDMA) explains why the trade fair is particularly relevant this year and which technologies are driving efficiency and competitiveness.

#Associations

Results of the 37th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) released findings from its 37th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted in March sharing how regions and segments are impacted by the latest geopolitical disruptions.

Latest News

#Textile processing

NATULON® zipper series surpasses 50% of YKK’s global zipper sales

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) announces that the global sales share of its NATULON® zipper series—zippers that incorporate recycled materials—has exceeded 50%.

#Smart Textiles

Covestro, FILK Freiberg, and OUT e.V. develop flexible, conductive polymer smart textile system

As the smart textiles market continues to grow across healthcare, personal protection, sportswear, and automotive applications, developers are seeking new ways to integrate electronic functionality directly into textiles, without the rigidity and complexity of conventional wiring. To address this challenge, FILK Freiberg Institute, an independent research institution with expertise in polymer coatings for textile applications, collaborated with Optotransmitter-Umweltschutz-Technologie (OUT) e.V. The joint project, funded under the German Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) program of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE), focused on developing flexible, conductive polymer surfaces for next-generation smart textiles.

#HIGHTEX 2026

Global growth in the technical textile sector drives interest in HIGHTEX 2026 to its peak

The continued steady growth of the technical textiles and nonwoven sector worldwide is increasing interest every year in the HIGHTEX Exhibition, one of the sector’s most important meeting points. In this strong growth climate, HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition, which will bring together the sector’s leading manufacturers, technology providers, and international buyers, is preparing to open its doors at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center on June 9–13, 2026.

#Techtextil 2026

RUDOLF is pioneering the future of technical textiles by developing innovative, functional solutions

At Techtextil 2026, RUDOLF presents its latest innovations for textile auxiliaries, textile care and construction chemicals. Based in Geretsried, Bavaria, the company draws on more than 100 years of experience and continues to position itself as a global technology partner focused on quality, innovation and sustainability.

TOP