Waste Framework Directive Revision

The European Union's Waste Framework Directive (WFD) serves as the cornerstone of EU waste legislation, establishing essential concepts and definitions related to waste management, including recycling and recovery. In July 2023, the European Commission proposed a targeted revision of the WFD, focusing on reducing food and textile waste to promote a more sustainable and circular economy.

Key Amendments in the Revised Waste Framework Directive:

1/ Food Waste Reduction Targets Member States are required to reduce food waste generation by 10% in upstream processing and manufacturing, and by 30% per capita in restaurants, retail, and households, all based on 2020 levels, by 2030.

2/ Textile Waste Management The revision introduces extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, obliging fashion brands and textile producers to contribute financially to the collection and treatment of textile waste. By 2028, the European Commission will assess the feasibility of setting specific targets for waste prevention, collection, preparation for reuse, and recycling in the textile sector. ​

3/ Separate Collection Requirements Member States must ensure the separate collection of textiles for reuse, preparation for reuse, and recycling by January 1, 2025.

4/ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles The revision establishes harmonized EPR schemes for textiles, requiring producers to pay fees based on the circularity and environmental performance of their products.

5/ Role of Social Economy Entities The revision acknowledges the role of social economy entities, such as charities and social enterprises, in textile collection systems, allowing them to maintain separate collection points and potentially exempting them from certain reporting requirements to reduce administrative burdens.

In February 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on these revisions. The agreed text now awaits formal adoption, after which Member States will have up to 20 months to transpose the new rules into national legislation.

These revisions aim to significantly reduce food and textile waste, aligning with the EU's broader objectives of enhancing sustainability and promoting a circular economy.

🔗 European Commission, European Council