Organizations

Debate grows over Germany’s textiles EPR scheme

Apr 6, 2026 Germany

The HDS/L warns that folding footwear into a textiles framework overlooks the greater material complexity of shoes and could weaken competitiveness through higher compliance burdens and uncertainty

“The German textiles law published in late March places a considerable burden on our footwear manufacturers and brands”, criticises Torben Schütz, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L), in a press release.

He continues: “This is not a measure to promote the international competitiveness of our companies. Instead of reducing bureaucracy, it imposes significant burdens and, further, incalculable costs on our members. This is anything but a business-friendly, efficient policy”.

According to the HDS/L, the announced law fails to address the problems of fast fashion. A central concern raised by the association is that footwear should not be treated the same as clothing within a single framework, given differences in product construction.

“You cannot compare shoes and clothing on a one-to-one basis. The material compositions are much more complex in shoes”, Schütz stated, adding: “What do underpants, t-shirts and sweaters have to do with over-knee boots?”

EPR Scheme

Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has presented key points for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles, laying the groundwork for a potential new national textiles law.

The announcement comes as the CDU/CSU and SPD, German political parties, signal a broader reform agenda for Germany, including what they describe as a limited “reform window” running into the summer.

Image Credits: thueringer-allgemeine.de

Germany Footwear Legal Organisations Sustainability