Textile Industry Sustainability: Unpacking the Potential of EPR for Circular Practices

Abstract This paper explores the potential of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems to enhance sustainability in the European textile industry, which is both economically significant and environmentally impactful. EPR assigns lifecycle responsibility to producers, encouraging sustainable design and waste management. The paper compares the centralized mono-consortium model, exemplified by France's Refashion Consortium, with Italy's emerging multi-consortium approach. While mono-consortiums offer centralized control, multi-consortiums promote competition and innovation. The success of EPR in driving circularity in the textile sector depends on context-specific policies that engage all stakeholders.