Update of the Waste Framework Directive: Textile and food waste [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Ivana Katsarova (3rd edition, updated on 05.11.2025).

Every year, we generate 60 million tonnes of food waste and 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste in the EU. On 5 July 2023, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a targeted revision of EU waste rules, aiming to reduce textile and food waste.

The updated legislation entered into force on 16 October 2025. It will introduce binding food waste reduction targets, to be met at national level by 31 December 2030: 10 % from food processing and manufacturing and 30 % per capita from retail, restaurants, food services and households. These targets will be calculated in comparison to the amount generated as an annual average between 2021 and 2023.

Producers marketing textiles and footwear in the EU will have to cover the costs of their collection, sorting and recycling, through European producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to be set up by each EU country, within 30 months of the directive’s entry into force. Member States should also address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when deciding on financial contributions to the EPR schemes.

Versions

• November 2025: ‘Waste framework directive: A more sustainable use of natural resources‘ (3rd edition)