Parliament adopts new EU rules to cut food and textile waste

The European Parliament has given its final approval to new legislation targeting the growing problem of textile and food waste. A key element of the law is that textile producers will be required to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling discarded clothing, footwear, and household fabrics through extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. These will apply to both EU-based and international companies selling in the single market, with micro-enterprises granted an extra year to comply. Member states are also encouraged to factor in fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion practices when setting producer contributions.

Alongside textile measures, the law sets binding food waste reduction targets for 2030: a 10% cut in processing and manufacturing and a 30% per capita reduction from retailers, restaurants, and households. Countries must also make it easier for businesses to donate safe, unsold food.

With Council backing already secured, the act will now be signed and published in the EU Official Journal. Member states will have 20 months to transpose the rules into national law, while EPR schemes for textiles must be operational within 30 months.