Policies, guidelines and regulations relevant to the circular economy

Policies, guidelines and regulations relevant to the circular economy

The EU is pioneering policies for sustainable goods and production. The primary reference is the Circular Economy Action Plan, released in March 2020. The action plan aimed to change the way products are made and consumed by focusing on some key sectors like textiles, resulting in the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles ^[1].

Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Products (ESPR)

The ESPR proposal, (March 2022) establishes a framework to enhance the environmental sustainability and circularity of products, with textiles identified as a priority. Companies placing products on the EU market must comply with specific ecodesign and information requirements through the Digital Product Passport^[2].

Waste Framework Directive (WFD)

The Waste Framework Directive (WFD), defines key waste management concepts and requires EU Member States to separately collect textile waste by January 2025, promoting extended producer responsibility (EPR) to achieve its goals^[3].

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The EU and Member States are evaluating EPR as a tool for sustainable textile management. On 5 July 2023, the European Commission proposed standardized EPR rules for textiles in the revised Waste Framework Directive.^[4]

End-Of-Waste Criteria

End-of-waste criteria define when waste becomes a product or secondary raw material after a recovery process, as outlined in the Waste Framework Directive.

Waste Shipment

The Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) governs EU waste transport, protecting health and the environment and ensuring legal clarity. In 2020, a review began, with a revision proposal published in November 2021.

Microplastics

On 16 October 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation to address microplastic release from plastic pellets, a major source alongside tyres and textiles. The proposal includes an impact assessment and notes ongoing legislative efforts to address other sources.

Green Claims

The Green Claims proposal^[5], (22 March 2023) requires companies to use standard methods to substantiate environmental claims, ensuring they are reliable, comparable, and verifiable across the EU.

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^[1] Circular Economy Action Plan

^[2] ESPR proposal

^[3] Waste Framework Directive

^[4] Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

^[5] Proposal for a Directive on Green Claims