With a joint concept paper on the implementation of extended producer responsibility for textiles and shoes, the German Retail Association (HDE), the Textile, Shoes and Leather Goods Trade Association (BTE) and the Foreign Trade Association of German Retailers (AVE) are committed to the introduction of a practical and experience-based system for producer responsibility.
Photo: Dreamstime.
The background to this is national and European legislation, which provides for the establishment of such a system that will regulate the disposal and recycling of textile and shoe waste generated in companies in the future.
'Successful take-back systems have already been developed in recent years, for example for packaging, waste electrical equipment and batteries. This can now be built upon in the development of a system for implementing extended producer responsibility for textiles and shoes,' says HDE General Manager Stefan Genth.
It is important to use previous experience and transfer the approaches of established systems to the textile and shoe industry. In addition, the national one-to-one implementation of the European Waste Framework Directive must be ensured. 'Due to the corporate structure in the textile and shoe industry, there is a need for specifications that are easy to implement for all market participants, regardless of company size,' emphasises Genth. Unnecessary additional bureaucracy should be avoided; a sensible approach must be taken here.
From the point of view of HDE, BTE and AVE, the design of an EPR system in the textiles and footwear sector can only be successful once clear definitions and objectives have been established. 'The direction should be set by the Ecodesign Regulation and the Waste Framework Directive,' Genth continued. Practical definitions must be chosen, particularly for criteria such as durability, recyclability and repairability of a product. 'It is important to evaluate the criteria in regular review processes and adapt them if necessary in order to develop a practical and effective system,' Genth said. To do this, a clear objective must first be formulated.
It will also depend on uniform European legislation that applies to all EU member states. 'A one-to-one implementation of European requirements is the right way to go. There must be no additional regulations,' said Genth. The system for extended producer responsibility must also be organised privately and competitively. 'What is needed are audit-proof standards and responsibilities in Germany for manufacturer organisations, collectors, sorters, manufacturers and authorised representatives as well as appropriate quota requirements,' continued Genth. In order to ensure uniform framework conditions and fair competition, a nationwide standard for the approval of systems for extended producer responsibility and a central, coordinating and controlling body are needed.
More information:
Handelsverband Deutschland
[email protected]
www.einzelhandel.de