Reconomy Launches Regulatory Framework to Reform Textile Waste 

Reconomy, a foremost specialist in the global circular economy, has unveiled a novel framework designed to assist the new government in overhauling the waste management sector, stimulating economic development, and addressing climate change.

The initiative was developed in collaboration with Sancroft, a renowned sustainability consultancy, leveraging their extensive expertise in the UK’s waste and resource management fields. The framework specifically addresses the textile industry as one of seven key resource categories and has been published in the wake of the General Election, with Labour’s newly appointed DEFRA Secretary, Steve Reed, articulating his goals to “develop a plan for transitioning Britain to a zero waste economy” as part of his top five priorities.

In crafting this report, Reconomy consulted a range of waste management experts, alongside representatives from both public and private sectors. The result is a cohesive regulatory environment that enables textile manufacturers and retailers to operate while reducing the adverse environmental effects of waste. The framework is built on business-friendly principles aimed at streamlining the waste management system, ultimately facilitating higher recycling rates and more effective resource management for both consumers and industries.

 The framework recommends:

• Devising a new national infrastructure strategy consistent with today’s needs
• Developing nationally consistent and separate waste collection across the country
• Establishing a baseline data of waste figures to enable continuous monitoring
• Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility schemes to ensure End of Life textiles are kept in the resources loop for longer
• Introducing eco-design standards including mandatory returnable packaging 
• Ringfencing EPR funding to provide investment and subsidies to stimulate demand
• Digitising information to track resources digitally in real-time
• Creating an independent governing body to enact change

James Beard, Head of Voluntary Compliance at Valpak by Reconomy, said: “We are delighted to launch this framework to promote the circular economy and build a more sustainable future. To meet our climate objectives, protect finite resources and grow the economy, it is crucial this new government takes steps to help businesses and communities improve resource management.

“The joint Reconomy and Sancroft project team has produced an actionable strategy of structured and consistent reforms for the textiles sector. By following this we can simplify the waste system and generate much needed investment in the system to move resources up the waste hierarchy. 

“Textiles rank near the top of the list when it comes to environmentally harmful materials so our framework incorporates this resource in its action plan. Global implementation of EPR schemes for textiles is beginning to accelerate and we anticipate widespread global adoption of similar schemes over the coming years. However, we can do more to encourage greater sustainability within the market, not just to protect the environment and finite resources, but to help businesses drive a new chapter of growth through a more circular economy.”