Mapping the future of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for textiles in Germany

The textile industry plays an important role in the German economy from various perspectives, but a specific concern is the use of materials that come from virgin resources, as well as the enormous amount of waste. Therefore, in line with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles1 and the Waste Framework Directive2, the European Commission officially announced the introduction of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles in all EU Member States3.

 

Foto: EU Comission

 

Following future regulations on textile waste management and the aim for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, our focus is on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism as a systemic thinking strategy needed to build connections among stakeholders. Our general objective is to contribute to a preliminary database that could later be integrated into a Geographic Information System. This system could be used by different actors across the value chain to identify their best partners, considering the entire lifecycle of textile products. Through this collaborative exchange of resources, we aim to meet this environmental policy approach and foster a framework for the application of circular economy principles.

Part of the motivation driving us to pursue this project resides in our background in the textile industry in South America and our strong belief in cooperation as a facilitator. The textile industry, as well as other industries, is global, and its circular transformation has to be considered on an international scale.

Cooperation is key for building a circular ecosystem in this industry, and whereas the producers' contributions would promote the financing of the collection, sorting, reusing, and recycling capacities, it is key to have a stakeholder network. We aim to contribute to creating discussion and research around the transition towards sustainable and circular practices. 

 

SDGs addressed:

 Quellen:

1. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/textiles-strategy_en
2. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/waste-framework-directive_en
3. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3635

 

Studentische Forschungsgruppe

• Vanessa Silva De los Heros
• Angélica Puentes Quiroga

Mentorin

• Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons