Trade body UKFT has written to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs flagging concerns about the Environment Agency’s guidance on the distinction between waste and non-waste textiles.
The letter seeks more clarity on the guidance’s application, particularly for mixed footwear exports, and recognition of overseas sorting and grading as a legitimate part of global reuse systems.
The letter calls on DEFRA to provide more clarity on the application of the guidance, particularly for mixed footwear exports, and to recognise overseas sorting and grading as a legitimate part of global reuse systems, according to an UKFT release.
It also urges the government to work with the industry to develop proportionate evidence requirements, accelerate textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) and investment in UK sorting infrastructure, and ensure future policy is informed by meaningful engagement with the textile collection, sorting, export and recycling sectors.
“Responsible operators have been calling for higher standards and better enforcement for many years. However, we have significant concerns about the aspects of the guidance which fail to reflect the practical realities of the UK’s textile reuse and recycling sector,” UKFT chief executive officer Adam Mansell said.
“The reuse and recycling sector is not the cause of the textile waste challenge. It is the sector managing the consequences of overproduction, declining product quality and unsustainable consumption patterns. We therefore believe that policy should strengthen this infrastructure rather than inadvertently undermine it,” he noted.
“We would welcome the opportunity discuss these concerns further and work collaboratively with officials to ensure guidance achieves its intended objectives without damaging the UK’s textile reuse and recycling sector,” he added.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
