The European Union has introduced new waste reduction targets for food and textiles, aiming to curb environmental damage and rising disposal costs. By 2030, households, restaurants and retailers must cut food waste by 30%, while manufacturers are expected to reduce production losses by 10% compared with 2021–2023 levels. Currently, nearly 60 million tons of food are discarded each year in the EU, costing an estimated €132 billion and producing 16% of emissions from the food system.

Textiles are also in focus. The directive makes producers legally responsible for the waste their products create. Companies must finance systems for collection, sorting and recycling of clothing and footwear. At the same time, they are required to design garments that last longer, can be repaired, and are easier to recycle. The rules also discourage wasting fabric during production and forbid the destruction of unsold clothes.

Progress will be closely monitored. Countries must enforce recycling schemes, collect data, and ensure companies comply through audits and penalties. Governments risk fines if they fail to meet targets. By shifting responsibility onto both consumers and producers, the EU hopes to shrink trash mountains and move toward a circular economy.

Photo: Sherrie Thai of ShaireProductions.com via flickr.