The European Commission unveiled this week a bold plan aimed at slashing food waste and textile waste across the bloc. The package calls for member states to cut per capita food waste in restaurants, supermarkets, and homes by 30 percent by 2030, while production and processing sectors should reduce waste by 10 percent. At the same time, the plan holds textile manufacturers financially accountable for covering the costs of waste management, nudging the industry toward greater responsibility and circularity.
These measures are part of Brussels’ broader effort to strengthen the circular economy in both food and fabrics. The goal is to minimize waste generation in these sectors and to boost recycling, which in turn lowers emissions and helps communities use resources more efficiently.
As noted by the Community Manager, the EU currently produces about 59 million tonnes of food waste each year, equating to roughly 131 kilograms per person. This waste represents a significant economic loss, estimated at around 132 billion euros. A sizeable share of wasted food originates from supermarkets and food service venues, including restaurants, school and company canteens, soup kitchens, hospitals, and other institutions, as well as households.
The environmental footprint of food waste is substantial, translating into around 252 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. That level of emissions accounts for about 16 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions linked to the EU food system. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases within the union.
Looking ahead, the legislation includes a review clause to assess progress by the end of 2027. If needed, course corrections will be considered to ensure the EU makes a meaningful contribution to global aims under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target to halve per capita food waste in retail and consumer channels by 2030.
Reducing textile waste
On textiles, the EU generates about 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste each year, with only around 22 percent being reused or recycled. The Commission therefore proposes that manufacturers shoulder the costs of waste management, providing a clear incentive to shrink waste and boost the circularity of textiles across supply chains.
Producers will contribute to an expanded liability plan, with the exact amount tied to the environmental performance of their textiles, a mechanism described as echo modulation. This structure is designed to reward higher standards and better stewardship of materials throughout the product life cycle.
Additionally, the rules will streamline the enforcement of separate textile collection starting in 2025, in line with current legislation. The approach will also finance investments in collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling capacity, ensuring wastes are diverted from landfills and treated in ways that maximize recovery and reuse potential.