On September 9, the European Parliament adopted new regulations that could transform the future of textiles in the EU. The reason is clear: every year, more than 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated across the Union, yet only 1% is actually recycled into new products. The rest ends up in landfills or incinerators.
From now on, producers will be required to cover the costs of collecting and recycling their products. This rule applies to everyone — from global brands to online retailers. Those operating under a fast fashion model will face higher fees, while companies designing durable and repairable products will pay less. In this way, the EU incentivizes a shift from wastefulness to circularity.
For Ukraine, this is not just another European initiative. It is a reality we must adapt to if we want to maintain access to the EU market. Without implementing these new standards, Ukrainian textiles will not be eligible for export.
That is why the time to act is now. Ukrainian apparel and textile manufacturers should already be preparing for the new EU requirements:
Re:inventex is already operating in line with the principles of transparent and officially documented recycling: fabric leftovers, production waste, and discarded uniforms are not destroyed but transformed into regenerated fiber. This is precisely the approach Europe now requires.
The earlier businesses and institutions take action, the greater the chances that Ukraine will become a full-fledged participant in the European circular economy.