EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for recycling of textile and textile-related waste

Lukas Egle (), Zahara Perez Arribas, Hans Saveyn () and Erika Pierri ()
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Lukas Egle: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Hans Saveyn: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Erika Pierri: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

No JRC147954, JRC Research Reports from Joint Research Centre

Abstract: Textile waste was selected as a priority stream for EU-wide EoW criteria development following an earlier scoping study by the Joint Research Centre. The absence of an EU-wide harmonised legal framework for determining the end‑of‑waste (EoW) status of textile waste creates regulatory uncertainty for waste‑management operators, recyclers and downstream users of recycled materials. Introducing EU‑wide EoW criteria would resolve the current fragmentation among Member States and across the textile value chain, thereby fostering the market uptake of output materials of textile recycling. The objective of this study was to develop a set of technical proposals for EU‑wide EoW criteria for textile waste, in line with Article 6 of Directive 2008/98/EC. This report focuses on recycling operations and the proposed EoW criteria are applicable to mechanical, thermo-mechanical, physical and chemical recycling. In parallel, EoW criteria for preparing for re-use and remanufacturing of textile, textile-related and footwear waste have been developed. Those are outlined in a separate report. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the textile sector, the composition and generation of textile waste, and the current and future recycling pathways. It further examines market‑relevant aspects such as demand for recycled textiles and trade flows; technical requirements and existing standards; relevant EU and national legislation; and the environmental and human‑health impacts, including chemicals of concern in the textile value chain. A comparative analysis of national EoW provisions for textile waste recycling across Member States is also presented. Drawing on inputs from a broad spectrum of stakeholders and plant visits, the JRC has drafted technical proposals for EU‑wide EoW criteria for recycling of textile and textile-related waste. The proposed criteria cover requirements for input materials, treatment processes and techniques, product quality, quality assurance and obligations for information provision. The possible adoption of these EU‑wide EoW criteria is expected to remove legal barriers, enhance market confidence and stimulate the circular use of textiles, thereby contributing to the EU’s Green Deal objectives and the transition towards a sustainable textile economy.

Date: 2026-10
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