The fashion industry's commitment to sustainability is currently undergoing a pivotal transformation with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This regulatory framework, designed to shift the burden of textile waste management onto manufacturers, has sparked both anticipation and debate. While its intentions are clear – to foster a circular economy and address the environmental impact of fashion – its practical implementation is fraught with complexities, particularly concerning countries in the Global South that bear the brunt of discarded clothing from developed nations.
The Imperative for Global EPR Accountability
The core principle of EPR is to ensure that companies responsible for producing garments also fund their end-of-life management. However, a significant gap exists in how these funds are distributed, especially when a substantial portion of textile waste generated in the Global North ends up in developing countries. Organizations like The Or Foundation advocate for a globally accountable EPR system, emphasizing that funds should flow to the regions actively managing this waste. This approach acknowledges the critical role played by markets such as Kantamanto in Ghana, which processes millions of used garments weekly, often investing their own resources to repair and repurpose items that are damaged or unsellable.
Currently, the EPR framework primarily focuses on financing waste management within the borders of the producing countries, largely overlooking the considerable efforts and costs incurred by nations in the Global South. The Or Foundation proposes a "floor rate" of $0.50 per new garment for EPR fees, along with a requirement for brands to disclose production volumes and commit to a 40% reduction over five years. This would incentivize brands to adopt more circular practices and reduce overall textile output. The disconnect between where waste is generated and where it is ultimately managed highlights the urgent need for a more equitable and effective allocation of EPR funds. Without this, the ambition of a truly circular fashion economy remains largely unfulfilled, leaving developing nations to grapple with an escalating textile waste crisis.
Overcoming Hurdles in EPR Funding and Implementation
Implementing a globally equitable EPR system is complicated by several challenges, including the difficulty in proving the origin and waste status of imported used clothing, as well as fierce competition for the existing EPR funds. Markets like Kantamanto in Ghana frequently receive bales of clothing that are damaged or unusable, yet retailers have limited recourse and few alternatives to continue purchasing these bales. This inefficiency underscores the need for policymakers to reassess current waste framework directives and improve the quality of exported used textiles. Furthermore, tracing the precise origin of textile waste is a complex task due to the opaque nature of the global secondhand trade, which involves multiple intermediaries and transshipment points, making it challenging to link waste back to its original producers in Europe or elsewhere.
The debate over how EPR funds should be allocated is intense, with various stakeholders vying for support. Cities seek funding for new collection infrastructure and electric waste vehicles, while collectors and sorters require investment in automation to stay afloat. Brands also seek subsidies to offset the higher costs of circular products. Estimates suggest a multi-billion euro shortfall in EPR funding, further exacerbated by the slow rollout of fee collection and policy uncertainties in the EU. This competitive landscape, coupled with the legal complexities of transferring funds across borders, impedes a unified approach. Despite these obstacles, there is a growing recognition that international cooperation is essential. European countries alone cannot meet the massive recycling capacity needed for textile waste, highlighting the necessity of working with other nations and potentially directing EPR funds to regions like Africa, where investments could yield a far greater environmental impact.