European Parliament advances Waste Framework Directive – a key step for Europe’s recycling sector

The European Parliament’s ENVI Committee has taken a significant step forward by adopting its draft recommendation on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) for a second reading. This marks a major milestone for Europe’s recycling industry and its efforts toward building a more sustainable circular economy.

The draft recommendation paves the way for the upcoming plenary vote on the WFD, which is now scheduled for the first plenary session of September, provisionally set for the 8th. This vote comes earlier than initially anticipated, and the European Recycling Industries Confederation (EuRIC) is pleased to see this fast-tracked process. The joint letter published on June 4, signed by EuRIC alongside various industry associations, NGOs, and other stakeholders, has been instrumental in helping to speed up this timeline.

EuRIC has consistently emphasized the importance of the Waste Framework Directive in ensuring that all EU Member States implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles. These schemes are seen as essential for tackling the mounting textile waste crisis across Europe.

The need for an early plenary vote has been underscored by the ongoing challenges in the textile waste sector. Delays in advancing the WFD further extend the funding gap for crucial activities like collection, reuse, and recycling of textile waste. This directly impacts operators on the ground working to establish circular textile systems.

EuRIC remains committed to staying actively engaged in the lead-up to the plenary vote, ensuring that the final Waste Framework Directive provides the necessary legal certainty and financial backing to strengthen textile waste management across Europe.