Industry pact backs mandatory textiles EPR in the UK

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Pact have published a ten-point blueprint outlining how a comprehensive system for textiles could be designed and implemented in the UK.

Source: LetsRecycle

This blueprint is the result of engagement across the UK textiles value chain and reflects what the Pact has termed “overwhelming demand” from the industry for a mandatory scheme co-developed with producers, recyclers, charities, and local authorities.

The UK’s textiles value chain is truly committed to co-designing a mandatory UK Textiles EPR scheme.

^{Jordan Girling, Head of EPR at WRAP}

Growing Concerns in the Used Textiles Sector

The call for such a system arises as the UK’s used textiles sector faces increasing pressure from:

• Rising disposal costs
• Declining clothing quality
• Higher volumes of textiles being discarded

Any future framework must support circular economy objectives while remaining practical and workable for producers.

^{Adam Mansell, CEO at UKFT}

Ten Recommendations for Textiles EPR

Legislate in this Parliament to establish a mandatory UK Textiles Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.

Create an industry-led scheme managed by a single, non-profit Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), with a steering committee representing the entire value chain.

Include all UK nations in the proposed scheme.

Adopt a phased approach to the products covered under EPR, with clear timelines for when different textile items will be included.

Align the definition of ‘producers’ with EU standards and existing UK producer responsibility schemes for other problematic waste streams.

Ensure EPR funding is earmarked for direct reinvestment into the scheme’s effectiveness, with EPR fees charged per item.

Eco-modulate fees to incentivize sustainable design and materials.

Prioritize reuse over recycling to enhance environmental benefits.

After successfully implementing the UK Textiles EPR scheme, the industry-led PRO could explore a voluntary ‘plug-in’ option for producers to further assist the Global South in managing used textiles sustainably from the UK.

The PRO should actively enforce the EPR scheme to guarantee a level playing field for producers and maximize the scheme’s impact.

These recommendations align with a cross-industry position statement released by the Pact in Summer 2025, in anticipation of the Government’s upcoming Circular Economy Growth Plan, which targets textiles as a key area.

Challenges in the Secondary Textiles Market

The demand for EPR comes amid rising concerns regarding the state of the UK’s used textiles sector. According to WRAP, nearly half (49%) of all used textiles are currently discarded by the public, with charities and local authorities struggling to manage the increasing volume and declining quality of clothing.

The Salvation Army has temporarily halted its collection contracts with Household Waste Recycling Centres until the end of January 2026, partly due to the soaring volume of donations.

WRAP has cautioned that without intervention, the burden of the UK’s textiles waste crisis will fall on charities, councils, and consumers.