Latest news with #WasteFrameworkDirective
Euractiv
23-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
EU begins ‘simplification' of environmental law
A widely expected addition to the European Commission's series of 'omnibus' proposals to ease the administrative burden on EU companies was launched on Tuesday with a call for 'feedback on the simplification of future environmental legislation'. As it opened its initial public consultation , the EU executive published an outline of its plans, hinting at some areas of environmental legislation that 'may' be up for amendment in the latest round of deregulation. To help 'rationalise' reporting obligations, the Commission suggests scrapping the substances of concern in products (SCIP) database under the Waste Framework Directive. The law requires suppliers to notify the European Chemicals Agency of any products containing chemicals on the EU candidate list for prohibition at concentrations of over 0.1%. The EU executive also promises a review of some aspects of extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules – a contentious area where chemicals and pharmaceutical companies are currently fighting against the obligation to pay for the removal of product residues from sewage. The upcoming environmental omnibus might also target the EU's Nature Directives, which pre-date the Green Deal of the first von der Leyen Commission and have been judged by NGOs, the European Environment Agency and the Commission itself to be fit-for-purpose but badly implemented. This, at least, is one interpretation of the Commission's suggestion that the red tape-cutting package of amendments to EU laws could include 'addressing permitting challenges relating to environmental assessment'. The call for evidence runs until midnight on 10 September, and a legislative proposal is indicated for the fourth quarter of 2025. (rh)
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New study examines value chain of used clothing and circularity impact
The study titled, 'From Collection of Used Clothes in Sweden to Reuse in Kenya: A Case Study of Humana Lt's Value Chain for SecondHand Clothes', was commissioned by Humana Lithuania. The report's objective is to conduct a case study that details and examines the value chain of second-hand clothes collected in Sweden, destined for the Kenyan second-hand clothing market. It aims to outline the 'markets' dynamics' and assess the potential economic activities, job creation, and socio-economic effects stemming from this trade. The focus is on the 'post-consumer textiles'. The document outlines the various stages of the value chain, including sorting processes in Lithuania and Oman, leading up to the importation and resale within Kenya's second-hand clothing market. According to the report, the common critique that equates the export of second-hand clothes to Kenya with dumping is 'not supported by evidence'. Kenya imposes substantial import duties on mitumba, a term used in East Africa for second-hand clothes, making it financially impractical to import textiles only to dispose of them in landfills, the study said. The report highlights challenges faced by textile collectors due to new EU waste regulations under the Waste Framework Directive. The mandatory separation of textiles from household waste in Sweden, which started in January 2025, has already begun to increase volumes while simultaneously decreasing the proportion of textiles suitable for reuse. According to findings, this change is exerting financial and operational pressures on collectors who already operate on narrow margins. Cristofer Ståhlgren from Human Bridge, a Swedish used textiles collector, said: "As textile collectors, we support better textile waste management, but the new rules are placing logistical and financial strain on our operations. Collectors are being overburdened without adequate support, while systems enabling effective reuse are being disrupted. If we're serious about circularity, we must protect and strengthen the existing reuse infrastructure.' The IVL report stresses the importance of having separate collection systems for reuse and recycling in order to maintain quality streams for reuse. Sweden's experience serves as an example of how EU directives can have unintended negative consequences if not carefully planned. Key insights from the report: - Differentiated collection systems are necessary for reuse and recycling: Sweden's mandatory textile collection has led to more collected textiles but also a greater number of items unsuitable for reuse. - Significance of sorting and quality control: In 2024, Humana Lithuania sorted approximately 38,000 tonnes (t) of used textiles, with 76% earmarked for reuse and 16% for recycling. - Creation of economic and social value: The second-hand clothing trade fosters employment opportunities from European collection points to Kenyan retail outlets. - Unprofitability of dumping: With Kenya's high import taxes on mitumba, discarding imported textiles would not be economically viable. - Support for humanitarian efforts: The sorting and resale of second-hand clothing in the Global North often support charitable work and social causes in the Global South. Humana Lithuania CEO Orjan Osterdal said: 'As EU countries introduce new collection and Extended Producer Responsibility requirements under the Waste Framework Directive, it's crucial to recognise that global clothing reuse, built on quality exports, is a key part of the solution to a circular textile economy.' This report comes after Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) called on global stakeholders promote evidence-based research and policymaking in January this year to tackle misinformation about the second-hand clothing industry. A report by Consulting For Africa (CFA) and Abalon Capital Limitada, in March this year revealed that second-hand clothing (SHC) sector emerged as a significant economic driver in Mozambique, sustaining over 200,000 jobs in both formal and informal sectors. "New study examines value chain of used clothing and circularity impact " was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EC proposes rules for chemically recycled content in plastic bottles
The European Commission (EC) has opened a public consultation on proposed regulations for assessing, validating, and documenting recycled material in single-use plastic beverage bottles, including chemically recycled material. The commission indicates that these regulations will support chemical recycling within the EU and assist businesses in achieving their recycled material targets established under the Single-Use Plastics Directive. These potential regulations are a component of the new 'Action Plan for the EU Chemicals Sector', which seeks to bolster the industry's competitiveness and facilitate its shift towards safe, sustainable, and innovative chemical manufacturing. With rising quantities of plastic waste in the EU, the commission underscores the pressing need to enhance plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling to meet recycling objectives. Although mechanical recycling is favoured for its reduced environmental impact and energy efficiency, chemical recycling is acknowledged as an important alternative when mechanical methods are impractical or when stricter quality requirements (as in food packaging) are necessary. The proposed regulations aim to ensure clarity in calculating the proportion of chemically recycled material in new single-use plastic bottles. The calculation methodology follows the 'fuel-use excluded' allocation rule. This means that any waste utilised for fuel production or energy recovery cannot be considered as recycled content, in accordance with the definition of 'recycling' outlined in the Waste Framework Directive. The commission stated that the rules are designed to strike a balance between transparency and reducing the administrative burden on companies and national authorities. Annual third-party verification will be mandated for the most intricate phases of the value chain, specifically during chemical recycling. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from less stringent requirements, needing this validation every three years. Businesses will be responsible for verifying their partners' self-declarations while national authorities will carry out risk-based inspections. This is reportedly the EU's inaugural set of regulations specifically addressing chemically recycled material. The assessment methodology is designed to act as a template for future regulations on recycled material in other sectors such as packaging, automotive, and textiles. In a statement, the European Commission said: 'By incentivising investments and supporting new recycling technologies, the rules will boost the competitiveness of both the EU chemical industry and manufacturers that use plastics in their production, helping to establish Europe as a leader in sustainable innovation. 'The measures will also benefit the environment, as they will economically incentivise producers to reuse plastic waste, rather than disposing of it in landfills, littering or incinerating it.' In February this year, the commission implemented the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with an objective to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging within the EU. "EC proposes rules for chemically recycled content in plastic bottles" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Fashion Network
05-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Euratex calls for greater clarity in European textile agenda
Free trade, Green Claims, and customs clearance. At a time when the international context is putting pressure on demand for textiles and clothing, the European textile industry confederation Euratex is asking Brussels for greater clarity regarding European initiatives. Euratex is making this request in conjunction with the Danish textile federation, Dansk Mode & Textil, on the occasion of the Danish presidency of the European Union. Eight issues are specifically singled out by industry representatives, who point out that current regulatory uncertainty discourages investors from investing. "Our textile companies are faced with too much uncertainty," said Euratex managing director, Dirk Vantyghem. "Although the EU cannot solve them alone, we expect the Danish Presidency to show leadership and move forward on these many urgent issues. We have no time to lose if we want to preserve the competitiveness of our industry." Euratex is asking Brussels to ensure that the future Circular Economy Act, which is supposed to harmonize green legislation in Europe, creates a genuine European market for end-of-life textiles. Euratex is also calling for an acceleration of the Waste Framework Directive, which should lay the foundations for EU-wide waste management. The textile industry is calling for an early end to the tax-free allowance for non-European parcels under 150 euros, a niche on which Shein and Temu thrive. The textile industry is also calling for clarification of the future of the Green Claims directive, which is tasked with combating greenwashing. A text which, as pointed out, is currently the subject of much confusion. The professionals are also calling for the rapid signature of the free-trade agreement with Mercosur, while calling for greater caution in ongoing discussions with India. The energy aspect has not been forgotten, with Euratex calling for progress on the Energy Union project. This text should make energy more accessible to European manufacturers. The revision of the Reach regulation on the use of chemicals is also the subject of a call for greater efficiency and coherence. The confederation points out that this is to prevent companies from relocating outside the EU.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WRAP EU leads textile extended producer responsibility talks
The WRAP EU talks brought together European Commission officials, executives from the textile and fashion industry, representatives from non-profit organisations, trusts, foundations, and additional stakeholders. The agenda for the event was to explore strategies for the EU to transition from the traditional linear model of consumption, characterised by the pattern of take, make, and dispose, to a Circular Living approach that emphasises reuse, repair, and remanufacturing. Textiles, and other manufactured goods are collectively responsible for approximately 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the change relevant in these sectors. The special meeting was convened following the postponement in the final vote on the revised Waste Framework Directive. Due to this delay, member states have started accumulating large quantities of used textiles in compliance with requirements effective from January 2025, said WRAP. However, they are doing so without adequate infrastructure to process these materials and with a lack of comprehensive national textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes to facilitate development or growth. WRAP, which focuses on EPR development across the textiles and fashion sector, presented its analysis on varying EPR policies across Europe concerning plastics and its collaboration with the Irish Government to establish a textile EPR scheme in anticipation of the Directive. The summit featured keynotes and discussions led by Catherine David and David Rogers, director of international development at WRAP. Notable speakers included Klaus Berend from DG SANTE at the European Commission, Laura Lourdelle from Sodexo, Paul Kerssens from United Repair Centre, and Stéphane Leroux from IFWC. Catherine David was introduced as the new CEO of WRAP during the meeting, along with Sofie Schop as executive director of WRAP EU. Catherine David assumed the role effective 1 June 2025 to propel the charity's sustainability initiatives globally. 'The incoming textiles EPR will touch every member from Copenhagen to Milan and change how countries make and manage clothes for good. Its Waste Framework Directive is world-leading in ambition for transformative collaborative action, underscored by its long track record of sustainable leadership. Driving Circular Living models on this scale will have a profound impact on global actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. I am delighted to convene this meeting to show how this should be a blueprint for more action from more countries, more businesses and more governments to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for us all,' said David. Sofie Schop has over two decades of experience in ESG and circular economy principles and having held significant roles at various organisations including Versuni, PVH, Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfeld, G-STAR RAW, Cascale, Schuttelaar & Partners and Fair Wear Foundation. Under this new role, Schop will lead WRAP EU's efforts to integrate sustainability practices into business operations throughout Europe. "WRAP EU leads textile extended producer responsibility talks" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
