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Extended Producer Responsibility in Apparel: A Compliance Guide for Fashion and Textile Brands

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Apparel?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of the products they manufacture—including collection, recycling, and proper disposal after consumer use. In the context of the apparel and textile industry, EPR legislation is emerging as a transformative force in driving sustainability and reducing post-consumer textile waste.

While EPR regulations vary by region, the core idea is the same: brands and retailers must take responsibility for what happens to their products after they're sold and used.

Why EPR Matters for Apparel Brands?

The fashion and textile industry is a major contributor to global waste, with millions of tons of clothing and fabric ending up in landfills each year. Governments are responding by implementing EPR laws to:

  • Reduce textile waste

  • Encourage reuse and recycling

  • Shift waste management costs from taxpayers to producers

  • Promote circular economy models in fashion

Staying ahead of these regulations isn’t just about compliance—it's also about building brand trust, protecting market access, and aligning with sustainability goals.

Key Components of EPR Laws for Apparel

EPR programs generally require producers to:

  • Join or establish a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
    A PRO manages collection, recycling, and reporting obligations on behalf of producers.

  • Track and report product data
    Including volume of textiles sold and recovered.

  • Fund take-back and recycling infrastructure
     To ensure accessible and effective reuse or recycling pathways for consumers.

  • Provide education and transparency
         Informing consumers and stakeholders about textile recovery programs and sustainability initiatives.

State Spotlight: California’s SB 707

One of the most high-profile examples of EPR for textiles in the U.S. is California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), signed into law in 2024.

Key Facts About SB 707:

  • Who it applies to: Producers of apparel and textile articles sold in California

  • What’s required: Joining a PRO, contributing to recycling infrastructure, and meeting specific reporting deadlines

  • Key deadlines:

    • Jan 1, 2026 – PRO submits plan to CalRecycle

    • Mar 1, 2026 – State review of plan

    • Jul 1, 2026 – Producers must join a PRO

    • Jul 1, 2030 – Full implementation

  • Penalties: Up to $50,000/day for non-compliance

California’s model is expected to influence other states considering similar textile recovery and EPR programs.

Which Products Are Covered?

While definitions vary, EPR for textiles generally covers:

  • Apparel (t-shirts, pants, dresses, outerwear)

  • Accessories (bags, belts, hats, scarves)

  • Household textiles (sheets, towels, curtains)

  • Uniforms and workwear

  • Custom and branded apparel

How Apparel Brands Can Prepare for EPR Compliance

Here’s a general roadmap for readiness, no matter what state you're operating in:

  1. Identify Covered Products
    Understand what items you sell that may be subject to current or future EPR legislation.
  2. Evaluate Supply Chain Transparency
    Ensure you can trace production, distribution, and sales—this is key for reporting.
  3. Join or Explore a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
    Some states will require participation in an approved PRO to meet compliance obligations.
  4. Develop an End-of-Life Management Plan
    Collaborate with your PRO to create solutions for textile collection, sorting, repair, reuse, or recycling.
  5. Train Your Team and Communicate with Customers
    Internal education and external transparency are essential for long-term sustainability and compliance success.

EPR Compliance Checklist for Apparel Brands

Use this checklist to determine if you're on the path to compliance:

  • We sell apparel or textile products in the U.S.

  • We are tracking which states have or are proposing EPR legislation

  • We’ve identified all covered products in our catalog

  • We have mapped our supply chain and have traceability in place

  • We’ve joined or are evaluating a PRO

  • We are prepared to contribute to end-of-life product management

  • Our compliance and sustainability teams are trained on EPR requirements

  • Our customers are informed about our circularity and recovery initiatives

Benefits of EPR Compliance

  • Avoid state-level fines and restrictions on product sales

  • Demonstrate environmental leadership to consumers and investors

  • Align with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) priorities

  • Access to shared infrastructure for textile recovery and reuse

  • Meet future regulatory expectations early

Stay Ahead of the Curve

States like California, New York, and Washington are leading the charge on textile-focused EPR laws—and more are likely to follow.

Being proactive now ensures you're not scrambling later.

Get the EPR Compliance Checklist

Need Help Navigating EPR?

Our compliance consultants and textile recovery partners can help you:

  • Interpret state-specific EPR requirements

  • Join or start a Producer Responsibility Organization

  • Develop custom end-of-life strategies

Book a Free EPR Compliance Consultation