Reconomy, an international circular economy specialist, recently hosted its second Global Textile Advisory Forum (GTAF), bringing together leading brands, retailers and industry experts for an open discussion on the future of textile compliance and circularity.
The session explored the latest developments in textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and emerging regulatory frameworks across Europe. Participants exchanged practical experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as requirements continue to evolve. Several key themes emerged from the discussion.
Data readiness is becoming a strategic priority
While many organizations feel they already have access to much of the data required for future reporting obligations, participants highlighted that the real challenge lies in data quality, governance and consolidating information across multiple systems. As textile EPR and product-related reporting requirements mature, organizations are increasingly focusing on improving data management and internal processes.
Regulatory complexity continues to increase
The forum highlighted growing concerns around managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions. With national textile EPR schemes developing at different speeds and with differing requirements, businesses are seeking greater clarity on implementation timelines, reporting obligations and future compliance expectations.
Interest was shown in developments across Italy, Spain, Poland, Ireland and Norway, reflecting the increasingly international nature of textile compliance programmes.
The future role of PROs is evolving
Participants discussed the important role Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) will play in enabling the transition towards a more circular textile economy. Conversations focused not only on compliance, but also on how producer funding can support investment in collection, sorting, reuse and recycling infrastructure.
Practical implementation remains the industry’s key concern
The most active discussions centred on real-world implementation challenges, including eco-modulation, reporting requirements for unsold goods, evidence requirements and the timing of future regulatory developments. Participants also highlighted the need for greater guidance on textile recycling pathways and end-of-life infrastructure development.
Looking ahead
The Global Textile Advisory Forum was established to provide a trusted environment for industry leaders to share perspectives, discuss emerging challenges and prepare for the future of textile compliance and circularity. Operating under Chatham House Rules, the forum encourages open discussion and peer-to-peer learning on some of the most pressing issues facing the sector today.
Reconomy is already planning the next Global Textile Advisory Forum, scheduled for Q1 2027, where participants will continue to explore the evolving regulatory landscape and practical solutions for achieving compliance and circularity objectives.
Aimee Campanella, Development Director, Textiles EPR at Reconomy, commented: “Textile EPR schemes are taking shape across Europe at different speeds, and the question for most businesses now is what that means for them in practice.
“Clear data and regulation are the foundations, but they’re only half the picture. Where the funding goes matters just as much. If textile circularity is going to work at scale, EPR must help pay for the collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure behind it. The forum brought industry together to compare notes on what’s working and what isn’t, and that kind of collaboration is how we find realistic solutions and build a compliance approach that businesses can actually put into practice.”