In a joint call, the two associations invite companies, institutions and other stakeholders across the textile value chain to join the initiative and contribute to shaping the future framework for textile circular economy.

Under the heading “Circularity needs collaboration”, the alliance argues for a practical, efficient and low-bureaucracy implementation of EU requirements for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). A legislative draft is currently being prepared. For the first time, companies placing textiles on the German market are expected to pay fees for their subsequent disposal.

Dr Uwe Mazura, Managing Director of textil+mode, describes EPR as an important building block on the path towards a functioning textile circular economy. In his view, those companies that carry financing and responsibility should be able to contribute their expertise to the design of the system. He points to the German textile and fashion industry and its textile research as a knowledge base that, he says, should be used to develop workable and effective solutions for increased circularity.

From the retail side, HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth focuses on equal obligations for all market participants. EPR can only succeed, he argues, if the rules apply equally to everyone. In his statement, he warns against a situation in which German and European companies bear costs and duties while international platforms or providers from third countries are exempt. Anyone placing products on the European market, he says, must assume responsibility on equal terms in order to ensure fair competition and a sustainable basis for textile circular economy.

On its website, the alliance sets out principles including the binding involvement of manufacturers and retail in shaping the system, a clear and efficient system architecture, transparent and “polluter-pays” cost allocation, and a legally secure scope aligned at European level. Further information: www.allianz-textile-kreislaeufe.de.