Textile Renewal Alliance launches to support California’s textile EPR implementation
Textile Renewal Alliance, a nonprofit formed to help producers meet U.S. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements, has introduced its new brand identity and website — textilerenewalalliance.org. The launch marks an important step toward the group’s potential designation as California’s official Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) under the state’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707).
Under SB 707, producers and importers of apparel and textile products must take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their goods. This includes funding and joining a PRO that ensures textiles are collected, repaired, reused, and recycled after use. The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) will approve a PRO by March 1, 2026, following a January 2026 submission deadline.
Textile Renewal Alliance has been engaging with industry producers, recyclers, and local organizations to prepare for that milestone. The nonprofit has been offering educational materials and consultation sessions for stakeholders to share input on California’s textile recovery landscape. One major initiative under development is a “needs assessment” study to map current collection and recycling efforts and identify gaps in infrastructure.
The organization has also opened applications for its California Implementation Working Group, which will include representatives from across the textile value chain. The group will advise the Board of Directors on how to design and continuously improve the EPR program once implemented. Individuals or organizations with experience in textile recovery, environmental or social justice issues, or local government are invited to apply through the website.
Producers covered under SB 707 must register with the approved PRO by July 1, 2026. Textile Renewal Alliance is encouraging them to start gathering product data and reviewing compliance requirements now. The website offers resources, newsletters, and upcoming webinar schedules to guide producers through the process.
Rachel Michelin, President of the California Retailers Association, said the organization is proud to support California’s climate goals through the nation’s first textile EPR initiative. “We encourage everyone involved in collection, repair, and recycling to take part in the working group to help ensure shared success,” she said.
Stephanie Martz, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at the National Retail Federation, emphasized collaboration. “Through Textile Renewal Alliance, we’re building a producer-led system where textiles are used, reused, and recycled responsibly,” she said.
Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, described the launch as a key step toward textile circularity. “Textile Renewal Alliance has already become a resource for producer compliance, and we look forward to continued partnership across the value chain,” he said.
With growing attention on textile waste and circularity, the establishment of the Textile Renewal Alliance represents a coordinated industry effort to turn policy into measurable action.
