Alliance for Textile Circularity launched in Germany

The German textile and fashion industry association, textil+mode, and the German Retail Association (HDE) have launched the ‘Alliance for Textile Circularity’ in Berlin. The initiative aims to shape the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy while maintaining the competitiveness and industrial base of Germany.

The alliance responds to a pending legislative draft regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under this proposed framework, companies placing textiles on the German market would be required to pay fees for the subsequent disposal of those products.

Industry leaders emphasize the need for practical, efficient, and low-bureaucracy implementation of EU requirements. Dr. Uwe Mazura of textil+mode noted that companies bearing the financial responsibility should contribute their expertise to the system's design. Meanwhile, HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth called for a ‘level playing field,’ arguing that EPR rules must apply equally to all market participants, including international platforms and providers from third countries, to ensure German and European companies are not unfairly burdened.