Textiles & Plastics in the Spotlight - EU Regulation

The way Europe deals with textile and plastic waste is changing faster than ever. Over the past two years, the European Institutions have been laying down the building blocks of a circular economy: new rules are being agreed, fresh platforms are launched, and the first deadlines are already coming into force. While some details are still being negotiated, the overall course is clear - Europe is moving away from a throwaway model towards one where products are designed to last longer, be easier to reuse, and eventually recycled into new raw materials.

For businesses, municipalities, and consumers, this means new responsibilities but also exciting opportunities. At RMP, we are following these developments closely, because they explain why textiles and plastics are at the center of our focus today - and why they could matter to you too.

The latest updates:

1. Waste Framework Directive & Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

• In February 2025, the EU agreed to revise the Waste Framework Directive, introducing mandatory EPR schemes for textiles. Producers will need to contribute financially, with fees adjusted depending on the durability and recyclability of their products.
• By 1 January 2025, all member states were required to set up separate textile collection systems. Countries like France and the Netherlands already have functioning EPR systems, while others - including Spain, Italy, and Germany, as well as the Baltic region - are at different stages of rollout.
• The goal is not only to collect more textile waste but to make sure that the costs of managing it are fairly shared between producers and consumers.

2. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

• Since July 2024, the new Ecodesign Regulation applies to almost all product categories, including textiles and plastics.
• The 2025-2030 Working Plan prioritises textiles, plastic-heavy furniture, tyres, and mattresses, setting the stage for product-specific rules.
• Measures will include Digital Product Passports (DPPs), bans on destroying unsold textiles and footwear, and mandatory durability and recyclability standards.
• For textiles, the first delegated acts are expected in 2027, with enforcement from 2028.

3. Supporting Frameworks & Tools

• In May 2025, European Commission launched the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, a digital hub for stakeholders. It offers updates on legislation, funding opportunities, and industry events, as well as a space to share knowledge and build partnerships.
• For professionals and companies, it has quickly become a key resource for navigating the rapidly evolving EU landscape.

Why this matters for RMP

These regulations are more than just compliance checklists. They are reshaping the economic and logistical foundations of the recycling sector. For Latvia and the wider Baltic region, this means:

• New funding opportunities and collaboration pathways through EPR schemes.
• Changing requirements for how materials are designed, documented, and reported under Ecodesign and Digital Product Passports.
• A more level playing field across Europe, where companies that adapt early will have a competitive edge.

By aligning with these trends now, RMP can act as a partner to businesses and municipalities navigating this transformation. Our goal is to be a knowledgeable, proactive, and forward-looking player in a market that is rapidly evolving - and to make sure that the Baltic region and beyond is not left behind as Europe shifts towards circularity.