WRAP’s new CEO Catherine David has warned that Europe is about to undergo “unprecedented change” as extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles rolls out across the continent and binding food waste targets come into effect.

Speaking at global environment NGO WRAP EU’s first major event in Brussels, the newly appointed David called the upcoming EPR legislation a major turning point that will impact production and waste systems in every member state, from “Copenhagen to Milan.”

“Europe is about to undergo unprecedented change,” said David. “The incoming textiles EPR will touch every member from Copenhagen to Milan and change how countries make and manage clothes for good.

“The EU is also committed to halving per capita food waste and reducing food losses in production and supply chains. Its Waste Framework Directive is world-leading in ambition for transformative collaborative action, underscored by its long track record of sustainable leadership.

“Driving Circular Living models on this scale will have a profound impact on global actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions.”

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

The event, hosted by WRAP and the International Food Waste Coalition, brought together figures from the European Commission, food, plastics and textiles industries, and major corporates such as Sodexo, to discuss how businesses can shift away from a ‘take, make, dispose’ model.

WRAP EU’s incoming executive director Sofie Schop also said there was “no time to lose” in scaling solutions.

“There are big changes ahead and I can’t wait to help bring these into practice,” she said.

“Already through the actions of the IFWC the European food service sector, which generates 11% of our total food waste, has delivered a 27% reduction in food waste in food service, and a 36% reduction in hospitality representing a €200 million annual saving, against its 50% target.

“This has given many businesses a strong start ahead of the new Directive, the other big factor will be effective EPR for those members and WRAP EU looks forward to supporting across governments and businesses in making this a reality.”

The talks come amid delays to the final vote on the EU’s revised Waste Framework Directive, which has left many member states with growing volumes of post-consumer textiles but little infrastructure to manage them.

Earlier this week, new research data from Aquapak showed more than two thirds of UK consumers are still confused by what packaging can and can’t be recycled, potentially hampering the effectiveness of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.