The separation of separation for old textiles and clothing is a first measure of the so -called EU textile strategy, which also provides for a binding and harmonized system for “expanded manufacturer’s responsibility” (European Product Responsibility EPR). The EPR for textiles, clothing and shoes aims to expand the responsibility of the manufacturers, importers or dealers to the entire life cycle of the products, including disposal and recycling. A fee will be charged for collection and exploitation.
Since important decisions for concrete EPR implementation will soon be due, the Joint Working Group Textile Shoes Lederwaren (AG TSL) from BTE, Foreign Trade Association of German Retail (AVE) and Trade Association (HDE), in which numerous large companies with a high proportion of own brands are organized , created a concept paper for implementation in Germany. Experience has been incorporated in building systems to implement extended manufacturer’s responsibility in the areas of packaging and electrical or battery withdrawal. According to the BTE, the aim is to evaluate which processes, measures and starting points from the systems already known and established on the market would be transferable to the textile and shoe area.
Due to the complexity of textiles and shoes, it is already foreseeable that there must be an EPR system that takes into account the different circumstances. A German law must be created that depicts all facets and challenges and ensures a national implementation of the European waste framework directive. A 1: 1 implementation of European implementation into the national law must be done.
