Europe is at a crucial moment in transitioning towards a circular economy, seeking innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of textile and food waste. In a recent adoption of proposals by the European Parliament, stricter measures have been established to address these challenges, marking a significant step forward in the fight against waste and overproduction on the continent.
Reducing Food Waste: A Firm Commitment
The European Parliament has proposed ambitious objectives for reducing food waste, demanding member countries achieve significant reductions by December 31, 2030. A minimum of 20% reduction in waste from food production and processing is sought, with a particular focus on businesses, restaurants, food services, and households, aiming for a 40% per capita decrease. Furthermore, the possibility of introducing even higher objectives for 2035 is considered, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to food sustainability and waste reduction.
Combatting Textile Waste: New Regulations
In the textile sector, the European Parliament has voted in favor of implementing extended producer responsibility schemes, obliging manufacturers to cover the costs of collecting, organizing, and recycling textile waste. This measure aims to address the growing issue of discarded clothing and accessories, amounting to millions of tons annually in Europe. Products such as clothing, footwear, blankets, curtains, and carpets are included, expanding responsibility to online sales and promoting the inclusion of non-domestic products in recycling strategies.
The Commission is proposing rules to make producers responsible for the full lifecycle of textile products |
Textile Destruction: A Persistent Challenge
According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA), between 4% and 9% of all textile products in the European market are destroyed without being used. This practice not only represents an economic loss but also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Faced with this challenge, the EU has agreed to ban the destruction of unsold garments, promoting circular business models and policies addressing both overproduction and destruction in the textile industry.
Towards a Sustainable Future
These initiatives from the European Parliament and the EEA underscore the urgency and determination of the EU on its path towards a circular economy. The implementation of these measures will not only contribute to reducing textile and food waste but also promote more sustainable consumption and production practices. As Europe progresses with these initiatives, a significant decrease in environmental impact is expected, setting an example in the global fight against climate change and waste.
Source: European Parliament
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