Extended Producer Responsibility at the Textile PRO Forum in Prague

European textile industry representatives gathered in Prague  in the end of 2025  for the Textile PRO Forum, jointly organised by EURATEX and ATOK (Czech Association of Textile Clothing and Leather Industry), to address one of the most pressing regulatory challenges facing the textile and fashion sector: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles.

The discussions was focused on the current reality of EPR implementation across Europe rather than future commitments. While some countries, such as France, already operate fully established textile EPR systems, others remain at pilot or design stages. Significant differences exist in terms of governance models, infrastructure readiness, data availability and engagement with industry stakeholders. In many regions, essential elements such as collection and sorting capacity, reliable data systems and clear operational links with producers are still under development.

A key message emerging from the Forum was the urgent need for greater harmonisation at European level. Without aligned rules and implementation principles, Europe risks developing a fragmented landscape of national EPR schemes that are costly, complex to manage and difficult to integrate across borders. Agreement on common objectives alone is insufficient; participants highlighted the need for shared principles, realistic implementation models and targeted investments in collection, sorting, recycling and data management systems.

These discussions are particularly relevant for TEX-DAN project which supports the transition of textile and fashion value chains towards circular economy models. Well-designed and effectively implemented EPR systems are a critical enabling condition for this transition. When properly structured, EPR can incentivize circular product design, strengthen textile recycling markets and create fair and transparent conditions for responsible producers.

Prior to this forum, in September 2025, during Première Vision in Paris, European textile and apparel federations signed a joint declaration opposing ultra fast fashion. The Czech textile sector was represented by Mr. Robert Šiměk, CEO of RETEX Czech leading recycling company and Vice-President of ATOK, strengthening Czech visibility within a coordinated European industry initiative. Mr Šiměk has been actively participating in
two TEX-DAN study trips and matchmaking events as well, promoting to all project stakehoders importance of zero vaste concept and sustainability in the textile industry.  

The declaration addresses the growing influx of ultra-cheap garments into the EU market, which distorts competition, undermines compliant companies and significantly increases textile waste. The signatories call on European institutions to take concrete action, including reforming customs rules for small consignments, strengthening VAT enforcement and market surveillance, and ensuring fair market conditions across the sector. The declaration highlights that tackling ultra fast fashion requires decisive and coordinated European action aligned with long-term circular economy goals.