Italy has confirmed plans to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles by Q1 2026, marking a major milestone in Europe's move toward circular fashion. Announced by Laura D'Aprile, Head of Sustainable Development at the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the new regulation will apply to apparel, footwear, accessories, leather goods and home textiles. This development represents an important opportunity for UK fashion and textile businesses selling into Italy or across Europe to prepare for EPR requirements and upcoming reporting obligations.Partnering with Valpak for Global ComplianceFor businesses that would like to explore external support to manage their EPR obligations across multiple markets, UKFT Associate Partner, Valpak, can support. Valpak offers tailored support to help youPrepare for Italy's upcoming textile EPR schemeUnderstand obligations across multiple marketsManage data and cost forecastingEnsure EPR compliance for both packaging and textilesUKFT members can reach out to UKFT for an introduction or get in touch with Dilesh Gandhi atDilesh.Gandhi@valpak.co.ukdirectly.UKFT Resources to Support Your EPR JourneyUKFT provides extensive guides and resources to support with EPR schemes and provide practical steps for compliance. UKFT members are encouraged to request their copies ofUKFT Guide to Global Textile EPR schemesUKFT Guide to Global Packaging EPR schemesUKFT Guide to the UK Packaging EPR schemeUKFT Guide to the UK Packaging EPR Scheme for Packaging SuppliersUKFT members can reach out tocompliance@ukft.orgfor EPR compliance support or to request copies of the UKFT guides and resources.Looking for compliance advice?As part of UKFT membership, we offer practical, business-focused support to help UK fashion and textile businesses navigate regulatory compliance across global markets. Our team works to ensure your business is informed, prepared and aligned with current and upcoming legislation affecting the UK fashion and textile industry.FIND OUT MORE
