Reconomy explores global textile policy in latest Circularity Soundbites episode
Reconomy has released the latest episode of its Circularity Soundbites podcast, bringing together industry expertise to unpack the fast-evolving global textile policy landscape.
In the latest episode, it features Ava Kenny-Colwell, Compliance Manager at UKFT (UK Fashion & Textile Association), who joins the conversation to explore how regulation is shaping the future of textile circularity.
As policymakers across the world accelerate efforts to address textile waste, brands are facing a more complex and fragmented regulatory environment. While the UK has yet to introduce mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, many organisations are already impacted by legislation emerging across the EU and beyond.
Series 1, episode 2: Thread Talks: Policy and Aligned Regulation
In this episode, we discuss the growing influence of initiatives such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), alongside national schemes in markets including France, California and Australia. The conversation highlights how these developments are creating new compliance challenges but also unlocking opportunities to scale circular solutions.
A key theme throughout the discussion is the role regulation is playing in levelling the playing field. By setting consistent standards, policy can help move the industry beyond small-scale pilots and towards the infrastructure needed to support reuse and recycling at scale.
In this episode, we also explore practical considerations for brands operating across multiple markets, including:
- Navigating fragmented global EPR requirements
- Understanding indirect exposure to EU regulation
- Managing compliance risks and unexpected costs
- Preparing for emerging requirements such as Digital Product Passports
Alongside this, listeners will gain insight into how approaches such as eco-modulation and product design requirements are expected to evolve, and what this means for both apparel and footwear businesses.
This latest episode reinforces Reconomy’s commitment to making the circular economy more accessible, helping businesses better understand regulatory change and take practical steps towards compliance and circularity.
Listen now to hear expert insights from UKFT and discover how your business can prepare for the next wave of textile regulation.
Listen now
The second episode of Circular Soundbites featuring Ava Kenny-Colwell is now live.
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About our guest: Ava Kenny-Colwell
Ava Kenny-Colwell is a Compliance Manager at the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), where she supports brands in navigating complex and evolving environmental and product compliance regulations across global markets. With a strong focus on textiles policy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and emerging frameworks such as the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Ava works closely with industry stakeholders to translate regulatory change into practical, actionable strategies. She brings deep insight into the international policy landscape, helping businesses prepare for compliance while driving meaningful progress towards circularity.
Visit Ava's LinkedInReconomy: Enabling circularity worldwide
Circular Soundbites reinforces Reconomy’s position as an enabler of circularity across global supply chains.
From EPR and take-back schemes to recycling innovation and regulatory readiness, Reconomy supports organisations at every stage of their circular journey.
This podcast creates a space to explore the challenges, opportunities and practical solutions shaping the circular economy today.
Use our Circular Economy Glossary
Providing definitions of key terms related to the Circular Economy, including Waste Hierarchy, closed-loop systems, carbon emissions, and the Circularity Gap.
Learn more about Textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Textile EPR is rapidly moving up the regulatory agenda across the UK and EU. For businesses placing textiles on the market, understanding upcoming obligations, eco-modulation principles and compliance requirements is critical.
Reconomy supports organisations navigating evolving textile EPR legislation, improving data visibility, and building scalable take-back and recycling solutions that align with circular economy goals.
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