Rematrix in House hearing: accelerate EPR regulations in textiles
Enrico Soffiati, CEO of Rematrix, stresses the importance of a voluntary EPR system to foster sustainability and competitiveness in the textile industry, with a focus on waste management in technical textiles and footwear.
Si è conclusa oggi davanti alla VIII Commissione (Ambiente, Territorio e Lavori pubblici) della Camera dei deputati l’audizione di Enrico Soffiati, CEO di Rematrix, consorzio italiano specializzato nella gestione sostenibile dei rifiuti tessili, con un focus particolare sui settori del tessile tecnico e della calzatura. Oggetto dell’incontro: le tematiche concernenti i regimi di responsabilità estesa del produttore nella gestione dei rifiuti nel settore tessile.
Soffiati began by emphasizing how the textile sector "is experiencing regulatory uncertainty. Despite the fact that mandatory separate collection will be active from 2022 in Italy, Italian companies do not have clear indications on how to organize themselves in the domestic market." Therefore, in the expert's opinion, "it is crucial to accelerate the implementation of an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) scheme, so that companies can plan strategic investments and improve their competitiveness in the medium term on the European market."
"A temporary voluntary EPR," continued Soffiati, "anticipating the introduction of the final scheme, could incentivize companies to initiate sustainable textile waste management strategies as of now, as previously implemented in France prior to the establishment of the mandatory scheme in 2008. Rematrix "therefore welcomes the work being done by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security through the preparation of a decree establishing an EPR scheme for the textile supply chain."
Soffiati at the hearing also outlined recommendations to the commissioners. First and foremost, "unify EPR requirements to reduce administrative burdens and ensure a fairer and more competitive market, especially considering the countless SMEs that represent our country."
In addition, it would be necessary to "implement advanced traceability systems that guarantee the final destination of waste and facilitate its recovery." Finally, "the EPR shouldincentivize those who adopt sustainable production models, penalizing those who put less sustainable products on the market. The 'polluter pays less' principle must be able to be applied clearly and simply."
You can see the entire speech here: https://webtv.camera.it/evento/27515