The Textile Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) Forum convened its second in-person meeting this week, uniting more than 30 delegates from 21 organisations across Europe in a coordinated push to harmonise Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) across the textile sector.
Hosted by EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, the two-day meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing circularity within the industry. Building on the Forum’s 2023 launch, the gathering demonstrated a renewed commitment to fostering structured, practical cooperation among national PROs, textile industry associations, and EU-level stakeholders.
Over the course of the meeting, participants immersed themselves in targeted sessions focused on key priorities shaping the future of EPR implementation. Deep-dive discussions explored:
- Eco-Modulation Fee Reporting – strategies to ensure fair and transparent cost structures that incentivise eco-design.
- Support for Recycling Practices – practical approaches to bolster textile waste recovery and quality.
- Policy Updates on the Waste Framework Directive – insights on pending EU legislation and its implications for national systems.
- Progress Reports from Five Active Workstreams – detailed assessments of collaborative efforts under way.
National representatives shared diverse experiences from their respective countries, spotlighting operational achievements while acknowledging ongoing hurdles. Notably, the Forum’s workstream leads showcased tangible outcomes in several critical areas:
- Reducing Administrative Burdens – streamlining compliance to support producers and PROs alike.
- Developing a Shared EPR Framework – fostering alignment across national borders to improve efficiency and impact.
- Scaling PRO Coverage Across Europe – expanding infrastructure and partnerships to support wide-scale EPR deployment.
With momentum clearly building, the Textile PRO Forum reaffirmed its value as a unique and timely platform to coordinate EPR across Europe. By aligning national efforts, supporting innovation, and accelerating the shift to a circular economy, the Forum is positioning Europe’s textile sector for a more sustainable, resilient future.
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