German textile and retail sectors form alliance for circular economy

The German textile and fashion industry, alongside the retail sector, has formed the ‘Alliance for Textile Circularity’ to influence the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

Represented by the Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie and the Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE), the alliance seeks to shape upcoming legislation that will require companies to pay fees for the eventual disposal of textiles. The initiative aims to ensure that the transition to a circular economy is practical, efficient, and unbureaucratic.

A key concern raised by the HDE is the level playing field. The association emphasized that regulations must apply equally to all market participants to prevent German and European companies from bearing the costs and obligations while international platforms or providers from third countries remain exempt.