The German EPR take back system GRS has launched a new take-back system for the EPR textile sector. Operating under the name GRS Pro Textil, the system is designed to support manufacturers, retailers, and importers in implementing the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for textiles. This initiative is based on an EU Waste Directive, which foresees that EPR systems for textiles are expected to be introduced by 2028 at the latest…
Under these EPR obligations, companies will be responsible for financing and organizing the collection, reuse, and recycling of clothing, home textiles, footwear, and accessories. They will also need to inform consumers about take-back and recycling options and comply with relevant labeling requirements. With GRS Pro Textil, GRS aims to provide practical support to affected companies – ranging from legal guidance to the establishment of efficient take-back and recycling systems.
For the rollout of the new system, GRS plans to build on existing structures for used textile collection in Germany. While these are already efficient, they are increasingly under pressure due to rising volumes, declining material quality, and economic challenges. To ensure stability in the sector and promote innovation in recycling, sorters, recyclers, municipalities, and retailers will be actively involved.
GRS Service GmbH is engaged in several projects aimed at advancing textile recycling. Together with the German Association of Textile and Fashion (Gesamtverband Textil+Mode), the company is exploring, in a project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), how qualitative environmental targets could replace traditional collection quotas in the future. Furthermore, GRS is developing, in cooperation with retailers, municipalities, and other partners, various take-back concepts that cover different return channels – in-store, via collection containers, or by mail.
In some EU countries, such as France and the Netherlands, EPR take-back systems for textiles are already established and operational. Over the coming years, many other member states are expected to introduce their own national EPR laws and take-back systems.
For questions regarding EPR for textiles, or other EPR sectors such as WEEE, batteries, and packaging in EU markets, you can contact the Go4Recycling team at any time.