EPR for textiles in Sweden under the microscope
The EPR for textiles in Sweden was announced back in December 2020. The law officially came into force on 1 January 2022, with a transition period of two years. Manufacturers muss from 1 January 2025 ensure that textile waste are collected by licensed collection systems as part of the EPR for textiles in Sweden. In principle, the EPR is a role model in Sweden. The government recently made extensive changes that will take effect from 2025. The aim is still to simplify recycling and increase efficiency. This also applies to the EPR for textiles in Sweden, with the environmental directive stipulating that unsold textiles must be donated or recycled.
What is the status quo of the EPR for textiles in Sweden and why is the move towards a sustainable textile economy so important? In this article, we would like to take a closer look at the topic and answer these questions.
The EPR law for textiles has been in force in Sweden since 2022. After the implementation phase, obligated companies must registered with a licensed textile collection system from 1 January 2025. This also includes reporting the estimated annual amount of waste. The long-term aim of the EPR for textiles in Sweden is to reduce overproduction and ensure a second life cycle for unsold textiles. This is to be achieved through collection, sorting, reuse and recycling. In addition to textile manufacturers producing in Sweden, importers must also comply with the EPR guidelines for textiles in Sweden.
What is EPR for textiles in Sweden all about?
In addition to packaging, electronic and electrotechnical devices and batteries as part of environmental compliance, manufacturers of textiles also bear responsibility for their production. It is not uncommon for overproduction to occur and clothing put into circulation is not sold. As a result, textile waste is piling up, which in recent years has either ended up in landfill sites or been destroyed – valuable raw materials that are urgently needed elsewhere. In this context, the EPR for textiles was introduced with the EU Directive and the EU Textile Strategy. Manufacturers and retailers must now ensure a second life cycle for unsold textiles. This is done by collecting, sorting, reusing and recycling textiles, which includes clothing, household linen and shoes.
The decree has strictly prohibited the destruction of unsold clothing since 1 January 2022. The only exception is if the materials are harmful to health.
Sweden was the second country in the EU after France to implement the EPR for textiles. The directives came into force on 1 January 2022. Licensing of the collections will begin from 1st January 2025. Companies that produce textiles must register with the relevant authorities and report their waste textiles. This is mandatory for textiles in Sweden after the EPR transition period.
Proof of participation in a licensed textile collection system is also required, which in turn must be available to all Swedish citizens and companies producing textile waste. It is also the responsibility of the producers to ensure that the collection centres are easily accessible and are operated in accordance with the EPR laws for textiles in Sweden. This means ensuring that the collected textiles are properly prepared so that they can be smoothly transferred to the reuse and material recycling processes.
Which companies are specifically affected by the EPR for textiles in Sweden?
The companies affected by the EPR for textiles in Sweden include all textile producers. In concrete terms, this means all companies established in Sweden that professionally manufacture, sell, import and release textiles in Sweden.
The EPR regulations for textiles in Sweden also apply to producers who sell textiles to Sweden directly to private households or other end consumers. So if you export clothing and the like to the Scandinavian country, you must remember to fulfil the EPR for textiles in Sweden. The good news is that you are free to appoint an authorised representative from your country to make the declaration. We are happy to take on this service and professionally fulfil your obligations in accordance with the EPR for textiles in Sweden. Are you unsure whether you are bound by the EPR in Sweden? We will carry out a comprehensive compliance check for you.
What are the goals of the EPR for textiles in Sweden?
The goal of the EPR for Textiles Sweden is to significantly reduce the amount of discarded textiles in the long term. The first milestone is to be achieved by 2028: a 70% reduction in the weight of discarded textiles compared to 2022. 80% is to be achieved by 2032 and 90% by 2036.
From 2028, according to the current targets, at least 90% of collected textile waste must be prepared for recycling or reuse. This is a milestone in the EU, as it means that used textiles can be reused where they are needed or can be recycled in an environmentally friendly way, which conserves valuable resources.
What does the EPR for textiles cost in Sweden?
The EPR for textiles in Sweden is based on the structure of the prices for packaging in terms of costs. There are administrative fees and inspection fees for obligated manufacturers, which must be paid to the Environmental Protection Agency. These are to be paid in addition to the collection costs.
Measures are also under discussion to ensure that consumers do not suffer any disadvantages with the introduction of EPR for textiles in Sweden. In the course of introducing the EPR in Sweden, the Swedish legislator has calculated that a T-shirt, for example, will be around 2 euro cents more expensive. It is obvious that textile producers will have to increase their prices with the additional EPR costs in the long term in order to remain profitable. Sensible solutions are needed in this context.
Implementing the EPR for textiles in Sweden and other countries
The regulation of textile waste in the EU is in full swing and more and more countries are transposing the EU directives into national legislation. The EPR for textiles in Sweden is one of the pioneers. The collection, sorting, reuse and recycling of textiles is intended to counteract the trend towards “fast fashion” in the long term and establish the sustainable use of resources. How a country implements the EU directive is up to it. As an exporter, you therefore need to know the exact laws of the country in order to fulfil the requirements of the EPR for textiles in Sweden. We at Deutsche Recycling GmbH will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice and support you in mastering the challenges. Benefit from our experts‘ many years of experience and continuous training. With us at your side, the EPR for textiles in Sweden is no problem.
