Who
are we?
Retexbel is the Belgian organisation for the collective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles.
Why do
we exist?
With an average consumption of 16 kg per inhabitant per year, the textile industry today faces many challenges that European Union wishes to address.
How does this affect your business?
The EPR obliges producers and importers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their textile products.
Is your company involved?
When you manufacture, import, assemble or place clothing, household textiles or footwear on the Belgian market for the first time, intended for the end consumer.
Each player in the chain plays an important role in the development and further elaboration of Retexbel.
Who are we?
Our mission is to support producers and importers of clothing, household textiles and footwear in preventing and managing the waste phase of these products. We are preparing a collective solution for producers and importers in response to the upcoming legal obligation regarding selective collection, reuse, recycling, prevention and repair of textiles placed on the Belgian market.
Why do we exist?
The textile industry recognises the major environmental challenge posed by textile waste and is actively preparing for the future. The amount of textile waste continues to grow. In 2022, the total amount of textile waste in the EU27 was approximately 6.94 million tonnes, which equates to 16 kg per person. Textile waste from consumers (households) remains the main source of textile waste. Following its publication on 26 September 2025, this revised framework directive on waste entered into force today. In Belgium, this EPR will come into force in the first half of 2028.
How does this affect your business?
The EPR obliges producers and importers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their textile products — from design to end of life. In concrete terms, this means that producers and importers will finance the various stages in the textile chain: collection, reuse, repair and recycling, and that producers and importers will achieve the targets set by the EPR framework in Belgium. As most producers and importers are unable to comply with these requirements individually, Retexbel will offer a collective, ready-made solution to meet these obligations.
Is your company involved?
Your company is considered a “producer” if you manufacture, import, assemble or place clothing, household textiles or footwear on the Belgian market for the first time, intended for the end consumer. The following categories are also subject to the obligation:
Manufacturers
Manufacturers or clients who sell products under their own name or brand, in Belgium.
Importers
Importers (wholesalers or retailers) who introduce these products to the Belgian market for the first time.
Distributors
Distributors who sell directly imported products under their own brand name or operate under licence on the Belgian market.
Online retailers
Online sellers and marketplaces (including those based outside Belgium) that sell directly to Belgian consumers.
Which products are we talking about?
The Belgian REP legislation will apply to the following products: clothing, household textiles and footwear intended for the Belgian market. Please consult our overview document for a detailed list of the product categories concerned.
