Extended Producer Responsibility (generally shortened to EPR) is a developing concept across global industries that’s gaining particular traction in the textile sector. As brands grapple with environmental and social responsibilities, EPR policies are proving to be a powerful tool in reducing waste and holding companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where producers bear a significant share of responsibility for the environmental impact of their products throughout the product’s lifecycle, particularly at the end-of-life stage.
Disposal and waste management have traditionally been handled by consumers or municipal systems. However, EPR shifts that responsibility to producers, encouraging them to design more sustainable products and manage waste more effectively.
EPR is transforming industries worldwide, moving from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to a circular economy that prioritises sustainable practices and waste reduction.
Real-World Examples of EPR
EPR policies have been implemented successfully in various industries around the world, with positive impacts that demonstrate their effectiveness. Here are a few examples:
· Brazil
Brazil’s national solid waste policy has integrated EPR policies that focus on the reuse and recycling of various materials, including textiles. Here, producers of textiles, electronics and packaging are mandated to take responsibility for waste disposal and recycling processes, creating a more sustainable, closed-loop system.
Read the full article: Reverse Logistics for Packaging – Brazil’s EPR Model
· India
Through Swach, a waste-picker cooperative in Pune, companies are encouraged to pay for waste management and recycling services, directly supporting waste collectors and reducing the strain on landfill sites.
Read the full article: Exploring Opportunities for Waste Pickers in EPR: SWaCH Cooperative’s System for Multi-Layered Packaging
· Oregon, USA
Oregon is a pioneer in EPR within the United States. In 2021, Oregon passed legislation that requires producers to fund and manage recycling programs, effectively creating a system that incentivises companies to design products with end-of-life disposal in mind.
Read the full article: Oregon’s Bottle Bill: Opportunities and Challenges for Inclusive Waste Management
These examples highlight how EPR can be tailored to fit the needs of diverse communities and industries, ensuring that producers contribute to a sustainable waste management ecosystem.
Why EPR Matters in the Textile Industry
The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, producing vast amounts of waste annually and consuming large quantities of water, energy and raw materials. As fashion cycles accelerate and “fast fashion” trends encourage frequent disposal of garments, the industry’s environmental footprint continues to grow.
EPR policies in the textile industry place accountability on manufacturers for the disposal, recycling and potential reuse of clothing items. In practice, this means that companies are urged to design garments that last longer, can be recycled more easily, and are produced with materials that have a reduced environmental impact. EPR has become a critical approach to achieving sustainability goals, reducing landfill waste and contributing to the shift toward circular fashion.
How EPR Affects Textile Companies
With EPR regulations in place, textile companies are encouraged (and sometimes mandated) to invest in more sustainable practices. Here are some of the ways EPR impacts textile producers:
· Design for Durability and Recyclability
Companies are incentivised to use materials that are easier to recycle or biodegrade, reducing the environmental impact at the end of a product’s life.
· Waste Management Costs
EPR transfers the financial responsibility of waste management from municipalities to the producers, which can be a significant shift for companies accustomed to externalising these costs.
· Transparency and Accountability
Consumers increasingly demand transparency in business practices, and EPR pushes companies to disclose details about material sources, production processes and end-of-life handling, improving accountability.
· Innovation and New Business Models
EPR encourages companies to adopt innovative approaches, such as take-back schemes, garment recycling programmes, and “lease, don’t own” business models.
Case Study: EPR and Sustainable Textile Waste Management
Northern Rail integrated EPR strategies to manage textile waste sustainably. Northern Rail repurposed old uniforms, reducing waste and setting an example of responsible waste handling for corporate entities.
For the full case study, read here.
The Future of EPR in Textiles
As global awareness of environmental issues rises, EPR is expected to become more prevalent in the textile industry. Governments are progressively adopting EPR policies and in the UK, bodies such as the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) are releasing resources and white papers to guide companies in compliance and sustainable practice.
For instance, the UKFT’s white paper on EPR provides valuable insights into how companies can integrate EPR into their business models effectively.
EPR is likely to evolve into a standard business practice, influencing the entire supply chain and encouraging companies to design for the full product lifecycle. The textile industry will therefore see increased emphasis on circularity, where products are designed to be reused, remanufactured, or recycled, creating a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry.
How Avena Can Support Companies with EPR Compliance
Avena offers solutions that help textile companies navigate EPR regulations and implement more sustainable practices. With expertise in waste management and sustainability consulting, Avena assists companies in setting up recycling programmes, redesigning products for sustainability and developing take-back schemes that support a circular economy.
Avena’s services are tailored to meet EPR standards, offering support for businesses at every stage of the product lifecycle – from design and production to disposal and recycling. By partnering with Avena, textile companies can ensure they remain compliant while actively contributing to sustainability goals.
Get in Touch with Avena Today
Are you looking to align with EPR standards and contribute to a more sustainable textile industry? Avena is here to help. Contact us to explore how our services can support your EPR journey and enable a positive impact on the environment. Let’s work together to shape a sustainable future for textiles.
