WRAP EU has convened a “special meeting” in Brussels to address upcoming EU regulations linked to the revised Waste Framework Directive and the transition toward circular practices in Europe.
The discussions gathered officials from the European Commission, leaders from the textile and fashion sectors, representatives from non-profit organizations, trusts, foundations, and other relevant stakeholders.
The event aimed to investigate methods for the EU to shift from a conventional linear consumption model—characterized by the cycle of take, make, and dispose—to a Circular Living approach that prioritizes reuse, repair, and remanufacturing.
The textile industry, along with other manufactured goods, accounts for roughly 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the importance of this transition for these sectors.
This special meeting was called in light of the postponement of the final vote on the revised Waste Framework Directive. WRAP noted that, due to this delay, member states have begun to stockpile large amounts of used textiles in preparation for compliance with regulations set to take effect in January 2025.
However, this accumulation is occurring without the necessary infrastructure to process these materials, nor is there a comprehensive national textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to aid development.
WRAP, which is dedicated to the advancement of EPR in the textiles and fashion sector, shared its analysis of different EPR policies across Europe concerning plastics and highlighted its collaboration with the Irish Government to implement a textile EPR scheme in anticipation of the Directive.
The summit included keynote addresses and discussions led by Catherine David and David Rogers, WRAP’s director of international development.
Prominent speakers included Klaus Berend from DG SANTE at the European Commission, Laura Lourdelle from Sodexo, Paul Kerssens from the United Repair Centre, and Stéphane Leroux from IFWC.
During the meeting, Catherine David was introduced as the new CEO of WRAP, along with Sofie Schop as executive director of WRAP EU.
Catherine David took on her role on June 1, 2025, to drive the charity’s sustainability initiatives on a global scale.
“The incoming textiles EPR will touch every member from Copenhagen to Milan and change how countries make and manage clothes for good. Its Waste Framework Directive is world-leading in ambition for transformative collaborative action, underscored by its long track record of sustainable leadership. Driving Circular Living models on this scale will have a profound impact on global actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. I am delighted to convene this meeting to show how this should be a blueprint for more action from more countries, more businesses, and more governments to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for us all,” stated David.
Sofie Schop brings over 20 years of experience in ESG and circular economy principles, having held key positions at various organizations, including Versuni, PVH, Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfeld, G-STAR RAW, Cascale, Schuttelaar & Partners, and Fair Wear Foundation.
In her new role, Schop will lead WRAP EU’s initiatives to embed sustainability practices within business operations across Europe.
