The Spanish textile sector risks losing 11.000 SMEs and 21.000 direct jobs due to new waste management regulations

The Spanish textile sector is facing a uncertain future due to the Draft Royal Decree on textile and footwear waste, a regulation that, according to a report by CEPYME, threatens the viability of more than 11.000 SMEs y 21.000 direct jobs, in addition to another 17.000 indirect ones. This report, entitled Impact of the draft Royal Decree on Textile Waste Management, warns that the regulations not only do not promote an effective circular economy, but also impose a economic and administrative burden disproportionate on the business fabric, especially the retail.

The confederation document states that the Collective System of Extended Producer Responsibility (SCRAP) could see its costs triple over the next five years. This increase, which would bring the figure to more than 134 million euros in 2030, could compromise the competitiveness of national companies versus international platforms. The cost per ton managed would exceed €400, well above the current rate of €250, without generating significant environmental improvements.

In addition to the economic impact, the regulation introduces excessive bureaucratic burdens that would decimate the resources that SMEs could allocate to innovation and sustainable projects. Requirements such as Mandatory registrations, annual reports, traceability, and the provision of space for secondhand sales. In large stores, they are seen as insurmountable barriers for small businesses, which lack the capacity to assume these additional costs.

CEPYME's analysis also criticizes the lack of alignment with the european framework, as Spain imposes stricter targets than other Member States. Targets for separate collection of 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035 are set, a timetable "unrealistic" which, without support mechanisms, could leave Spain in an unfavorable position within the European Union, damaging its image by not being able to comply with its own regulations.

Despite criticism, the report does not question the need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), but rather underlines that a Well-designed RAP could be a strategic opportunity. Effective regulation, oriented towards investment in future solutions, could turn Spain into a benchmark in textile recycling, attracting investments, developing recycling technologies and generating quality green jobsTo achieve this, it is essential that the focus is on promoting reuse infrastructures and hubs of advanced recycling, instead of funding the "grey fraction" of waste, which currently lacks technical solutions for its recycling.

In 2023, the textile sector represented 2,9% of Spanish GDP and contributed 23.400 millones de euros in gross added value, with almost 55.000 active companies. This important productive network, composed mostly of SMEs, could be seriously affected by regulations that, according to CEPYME, are not adequately aligned with the real needs of the sector or with the objectives of a truly circular economy.