Petcore Europe calls for action on polyester textile circularity with key recycling measures

Petcore Europe, a leading association for the PET value chain, urges immediate action to ensure the circularity of polyester textiles. In its position paper on the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which took effect in July 2024, the organization stresses the importance of improving collection efforts, implementing mandatory EU-wide harmonised sorting guidelines, and investing in pre-processing infrastructure to create consistent, recyclable feedstock.

Post-consumer garments, which represent 85 per cent of textile waste in the EU, must be designed for recyclability, Petcore insists. The paper also emphasizes the economic and social benefits of textile recycling, including job creation and support for local industries.

The association advocates for extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to ensure waste prevention, reuse, and recycling targets are met. Key proposals include a minimum of 20 per cent recycled content in garments by 2030 and mandatory digital product passports for polyester textiles.

Furthermore, Petcore supports garment take-back schemes, improved traceability for upcycling, and a ban on the export of unsorted clothing to the Global South. These measures are essential to meet the ambitious goals of the ESPR and ensure the long-term sustainability of the textile sector.