Dal January 1, 2025Separate collection of waste Textile waste will become mandatory across the EU, an important step towards Environmental transition. It is an initiative that aims to reduce the environmental impact of the textile sector, one of the most polluting sectors in the world, and promote the reuse and recycling of materials. However, the implementation of this initiative presents. Key challengesBoth at the regulatory and operational levels.
stood out as Italy Sarkhil Malik In this context, introducing the obligation of separate collection of textile waste as early as 2022. This initiative, adopted before the definition of European directives, represents a concrete example of leadership in Environmental sustainability. However, results achieved to date have fallen short of expectations. Absence of a Clear and unambiguous regulatory framework At the community level and Bureaucratic difficulties has limited the effectiveness of the measures adopted.
Modest growth for textile waste in Italy, Spradata
According to the latest data published byHigher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (SPRA)Management of Post-consumer textile waste In Italy it is showing signs of growth, albeit limited. between the 2017 And 2022The amount of textile waste in the country has increased. 133 thousand tons a 160 thousand tons. This increase underscores the importance of quickly adopting effective measures to regulate an important sector within the country. Environmental sustainability.
Special attention was paid to the period in between. 2021 And 2022the year in whichPrior Liability Segregation of textile waste in Italy. During this period, there has been a slight increase in the amount of separate collection of textile waste. In fact, our average went down 2,6 kg a 2.7 kg per head Every year, an increase that emphasizes the need for further interventions to improve. Sector management.
Always inside 2022The textile sector was barely represented. 0.8% of total waste collected separately. This figure, while highlighting progress, remains small compared to other waste streams. The main challenge is not only motivation. CollectionBut this too Reuse And Recycling textile materials, promoting greater awareness among citizens and more effective coordination between local administrations and sector operators.
ISPRA’s analysis suggests that Italy is on the right track, but more commitment is needed to tackle critical issues. Strengthen the Infrastructurepromoting campaigns Awareness And there are basic steps to define clear standards at national and European level. Textile sector A pillar ofCircular economy. Joint strategies and targeted interventions will make it possible to achieve more significant results in the coming years.
Milan is above the Italian average, but far from European standards.
Italian metropolitan cities record recent and slightly more encouraging data in textile waste management. Among them, the result stands out MilanoWhich reached to a part. 3.2 kg of textile waste was collected per inhabitant. per year
This figure represents an improvement over other national figures, but still appears low in comparison. European averageon which it stands. 4.4 kg per capita annually. Moreover, the difference becomes even more pronounced when looking at the total amount of textile waste generated in the EU. 12 kg per person Every year
Another element of reflection emerges from the data provided by European Environment Agency (EEA)according to which only 12% textile waste What is generated in the Member States is effectively separated and sent for recycling or reuse. This percentage highlights a system that is still inefficient in the treatment of materials that, if properly managed, can be reintroduced into productive cycles in view of the circular economy.
Milan represents a positive example in the Italian context, but the overall picture highlights the need for a stronger commitment at local and European level to reduce the gap with international standards and promote the sustainable management of textile waste. .
Municipalities are on the frontline, but EPR governance remains an unresolved issue.
gave Separate storage of textile waste In Italy it is managed, to date, directly by the municipalities, which mainly use Dedicated yellow boxesidentifiable and distributed throughout the region. However, collection methods are also used in some areas. To the doora system that, although more organizationally demanding, is often more effective in ensuring proper segregation of materials.
Despite these initiatives, there are still significant obstacles to the full implementation of separate collection of textile waste. One of the main obstacles to its development is the absence of a defined regulatory framework at the European level, especially its expected introduction. Extended Producer Responsibility System (EPR). This tool is currently being discussed in institutions. Bruxellesaims to transfer part of the responsibility for waste management directly to producers, encourage them to design more sustainable products and finance their recycling.
The lack of an operational EPR system translates into a burden that falls almost exclusively on local administrations, requiring them to manage and finance collection without the economic and logistical support of other parties involved in the production chain. . In a context in which textile waste management is becoming increasingly important for the transition to a circular economy, the delay in the implementation of this policy represents a significant obstacle to the achievement of common sustainability goals at European level.
In addition to strengthening the recycling chain, the adoption of the EPR system can represent an important step to reduce the burden on municipalities and guarantee a more efficient and uniform management of textile waste throughout the national territory.
Italy and regulation of the textile sector
Like other member states, Italy also tried. Move up European directives by starting at the beginning of last year, a Counseling On the draft decree of the Ministry of Environment. Regulation was to be introduced for this decree. Textile Operators and is involved in the creation of one. Coordination Centeril He is afraid.. However, there was a draft Keep aside For them Important issues emerged During the drafting phase, especially regarding methods Collection And there Subjects involved, perhaps awaiting a European proposal as well.
With the 2018 revision of the directive, the effort to outrun the European Commission has proven itself Bankruptcy. Italy remained with the other member states. Stopped at the pole.Except for a few Goodness cases like Franceiwhen (Which managed to get it at the last minute April) andHungary.
Italy Towards a New EPR System for Textile Recycling
Il Trilogy The regulation of the textile sector is set for January, with expectations already indicating a possible outcome by the end of the year. As for Italy. Mess (Ministry of Environment) has already resumed work on the draft ordinance, which Consulted Again after sharing with Mimit. The final signing should happen with commencement in the spring. Consortia In 2026 will be between individual states. 24 or 36 months to adopt their regulations.
The Ministry is functioning as Communicator between the Business associationsi Municipalities and consortia, which are already working to be ready for the new regime. April. This will put the producers at the center of the process. Recyclingbut it faces resistance from municipalities, which until now managed textile recycling.
The new European system aims to make the textile sector, one of the most polluting, more circular through management. responsible, Ethics e good Textile waste, still one of the main weaknesses of the supply chain.
