Advancing Sustainable Textiles in the Circular Economy through Innovative EPR Schemes

ongoing

Textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes represent a pivotal opportunity for the European Union to implement circular business models and solidify its position as a global sustainability leader within the textile industry. In the pursuit of this transformative goal, TRUSTex leverages invaluable insights from industrial partners and meticulous guidance from retail experts on the Stakeholder Board. The project's primary focus is to test strategies and formulate recommendations that analyze the feasibility of EPR schemes, pinpointing weaknesses, and proposing solutions. Based upon a robust governance foundation, TRUSTex adopts a holistic approach to cover the pivotal EPR activities; collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling. This multifaceted strategy is designed to identify barriers within these activities, showcasing innovations that directly improve the EU industry's capacity to manage textile waste. Additionally, TRUSTex includes upstream solutions that, while lying outside EPRs activities, have a direct influence on their feasibility. Consequently, the project integrates eco-design on new fibers and the incorporation of Design for Disassembly technologies. Additionally, TRUSTex will develop digital solutions aligned with forthcoming digital product passport and labeling regulations, to facilitate garment identification and traceability. Throughout the project, TRUSTex emphasizes continuous feedback and support from key stakeholders. This engagement ensures that recommendations not only maximize their impact but also align with the needs and secure compliance of industrial partners. In the final stages, a robust dissemination, communication, and exploitation strategy will reach society, consumers, and end-users increasing awareness about the benefits of adopting sustainable and circular business models. As a result, TRUSTex aspires to be a catalyst for positive societal impact, influencing health and livelihood practices across the continent.