The Italian fashion and textile sector is currently at a regulatory turning point, transitioning from voluntary sustainability efforts to a structured national framework. A primary driver of this shift is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). In early 2025, industry leaders presented a formal proposal to the Chamber of Deputies to regulate EPR specifically for textiles. This scheme aims to ensure that producers remain accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, fostering a more robust circular infrastructure.
Italy has already demonstrated leadership by anticipating European mandates regarding separate waste collection. Since January 1, 2022, the country has made the collection of textile waste mandatory, requiring municipalities to implement dedicated infrastructure years ahead of many EU counterparts.
Transparency remains a cornerstone of these policy developments. While current EU regulations focus on fibre composition, Italian authorities are tightening market surveillance to ensure product compliance and consumer protection. Looking ahead, Italy has already taken a significant step in strengthening the regulation of environmental claims. In March 2026, the country adopted Legislative Decree 30/2026, implementing the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition. While the decree formally entered into force in March, its provisions will apply from September 2026, giving companies time to adapt. The new framework introduces clear legal definitions of environmental claims, sustainability labels and certification systems, and significantly expands the scope of misleading commercial practices related to greenwashing. Generic or unsubstantiated environmental claims, as well as non-transparent product comparisons, are now explicitly prohibited. Beyond communication, the regulation also strengthens requirements on product durability and repairability, further aligning consumer protection with circular economy objectives.
Furthermore, the industry continues to align with rigorous safety standards such as the REACH Regulation and the General Product Safety Directive. These ensure that as we move toward closed-loop systems, the recycled materials entering the market are free from hazardous substances. While challenges remain—particularly regarding the destruction of unsold goods—the evolving Italian policy landscape provides a clear blueprint for a more resilient and transparent textile ecosystem.
