The revised version of the Waste Framework Directive came into effect on 16 October. It introduces common rules for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles and sets binding food waste reduction targets for Member States.

Focus: the textile sector

Why is it a pressing concern: The sector has a huge impact on water and land use, uses a startling amount of raw materials and produces equally startling amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Only a small part of this waste is separately collected for reuse or recycling.

What will the revised Waste Framework Directive do about this: It will address these impacts and make the sector more competitive and circular.

How: 

• Mandatory EPR schemes for textile and footwear products in each Member State. The fee paid by producers will pay for schemes to collect these items and channel them towards re-use, recycling or disposal.
• New rules for the management of used textiles and textile waste: All separately collected textiles will be considered waste. This means that Member States will have to ensure that these textiles are sorted into reusable or not before they are shipped anywhere. Unsorted textile waste comes under the Waste Shipment Regulation.

Focus: food waste

Why is it a pressing concern: According to Eurostat, food waste in the EU amounted to 130 kg per inhabitant in 2023, with households accounting for 53% of that. That is a lot of resources being thrown on the compost heap (in the best case scenario!).

What will the revised Waste Framework Directive do about this: It requires the Member States to reduce food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing, and by 30% per capita in retail and consumption by 2030 - this includes restaurants, food services and households.

How: Member States will need to evaluate and adapt their food waste prevention programmes. This will involve telling people how to change their behaviour and showing them why it's important, and well as promoting innovation and technological solutions. Donating food will be made easier.

Timeframe: Member States have 20 months to act on the revised Directive and 30 months to establish EPR schemes for textile and footwear products.

The revised Directive aims to further strengthen the EU’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3, in line with the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan.