In the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy for England, textiles was highlighted as a priority waste stream for which the ‘polluter pays’ principle should be invoked and Defra committed to review and consult on the potential of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and product standards for the fashion and textiles industry.

To help Defra collect the evidence and insights needed to make an informed decision on textile policy in the UK, WRAP has gathered insights from stakeholders to develop the Textiles Policy Options Report. The report sets out policy options that could help halve the quantity of textiles in residual waste over the next 10 years and reduce carbon emissions associated with the sector. The Textiles Policy Options Report indicates the likely outcomes of these different options and their effectiveness as standalone policies, or in support of other policy measures.

The research concludes that no one policy measure will achieve all objectives, and a combination of options is therefore needed to address every stage of a product’s lifecycle. This combination includes:
  • An Extended Producer Responsibility scheme
  • Ecodesign criteria to improve product durability and recyclability, together with effective product labelling
  • Restrictions on landfill and incineration
  • Grants and loans to develop recycling infrastructure
  • An increase in separate bring bank and kerbside collections appropriate to geographical location

To support the Textiles Policy Options Report, WRAP recommended producing a Cost Benefit Analysis Report to build on the evidence that had already been gathered.

This secondary report was commissioned by WRAP and produced by Eunomia, it includes further information on the impacts of various policy options and supporting measures for a Textiles Extended Producer Responsibility framework and uses cost benefit analysis to compare the environmental, economic, social and public expenditure implications.

The results from the Cost Benefit Analysis Report allow for informed discussion and prioritisation of measures to take place. Further collaboration and engagement between government and stakeholders throughout the value chain will be critical in the design and implementation of a suitable policy framework.

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  • Textiles Policy Options Report

    PDF, 1.26 MB

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  • Textiles Cost Benefit Analysis Report

    PDF, 3.64 MB

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