The EU Parliament wants to hold textile manufacturers more accountable in the future in order to reduce waste and waste. A majority of MPs voted for stricter rules in Strasbourg on Wednesday. Accordingly, manufacturers who sell textiles in the EU should have to cover the costs of separate collection, sorting and recycling. This would apply to products such as clothing and accessories, bed linen and carpets, but also products containing materials such as leather, imitation leather, rubber or plastic.
The Association of Municipal Companies (VKU) supported Parliament’s initiative. It is welcome that the manufacturers should finally be held responsible, said its vice president and head of the Münster waste management company Patrick Hasenkamp.
MEPs also propose higher binding targets for reducing food waste. The plans are to be pursued by the new parliament after the European elections in June.
According to Parliament, 60 million tonnes of food waste (131 kilograms per person) and 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually in the EU. Clothing and shoes alone would account for 5.2 million tons of waste, which corresponds to 12 kilograms of waste per person per year. (dpa)
