Eastern EU 
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR is a policy framework designed to make producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from creation to disposal. In fashion, that means brands, importers, and retailers are expected to take responsibility for what happens to their clothing once it leaves the store.
Under EPR, producers help fund or manage systems that collect, sort, recycle, or reuse textiles. The goal is to reduce waste, encourage circular design, and make sure garments are kept in use for as long as possible.
Rather than being a punishment, EPR is meant to level the playing field, rewarding brands that design better, waste less, and plan for what happens after sale. It’s a move toward a fairer, more transparent industry where responsibility doesn’t stop at checkout.
Why EPR Is Being Introduced
EPR is being introduced because the current system isn’t working as well as it could. Across Europe, large volumes of clothing go unsold or end up discarded each year, even though much of it is still wearable or reusable. This creates growing pressure on local waste systems and the environment.
The goal of EPR is to make the industry more circular. By holding brands accountable for what happens to their products after sale, governments hope to encourage better design, lower production waste, and stronger reuse and recycling systems.
In practice, that means a shift from short-term production cycles to long-term thinking — creating garments that are made to last, easy to recycle, and less likely to become waste.
What brands and retailers need to know
EPR isn’t just about sustainability reports; it’s about accountability. For fashion, that means every brand, importer, or retailer selling into EPR-regulated markets will need to take some level of responsibility for their products after sale.
Depending on the country, that usually involves:
- Registering with an approved EPR system or Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)
- Reporting the weight and type of textiles placed on the market
- Paying fees that help fund collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling programmes
- Labelling products correctly to support traceability and recycling
Each country will have its own process and deadlines, but the principle is the same everywhere: brands contribute to keeping clothing in circulation and out of landfill.
For many, this will mean new systems for tracking materials, managing stock, and proving where unsold or returned items go. That’s where Bundlex can help, by providing a transparent resale route for excess stock, helping you reduce waste before it becomes a compliance issue.
How Bundlex helps brands adapt to EPR
EPR isn’t just a policy update; it’s a new way of thinking about responsibility. At Bundlex, we’re helping brands meet these obligations in a way that’s both practical and profitable.
Instead of storing unsold inventory that risks becoming waste, we help you resell or redistribute excess stock across trusted global markets. Our platform gives your products a second life while protecting your brand image and aligning with circular economy goals.
By partnering with Bundlex, fashion brands can:
- Reduce excess stock before it enters the waste stream
- Cut potential EPR-related costs and liabilities
- Support sustainability goals by extending product life
- Gain transparency and control over secondary market distribution
In short, Bundlex helps you stay compliant and protect your bottom line by keeping fashion in circulation.
What’s Next for the Fashion Industry
EPR is just one part of a much bigger shift taking place in fashion. Alongside policies like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the Green Claims Directive, it’s driving the industry toward greater transparency, accountability, and circularity.
For brands, this means rethinking every stage of a product’s life, from how materials are sourced to what happens when collections are no longer in season. The focus is moving away from constant production and toward smarter systems that keep garments in use for longer.
What’s next for fashion is clear: data-driven, circular, and collaborative. Brands that act early, by tracking their materials, improving design, and finding responsible ways to move excess stock, will be the ones best prepared for the future.
Final Thoughts
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping how fashion operates, pushing the industry to think beyond production and take accountability for what already exists. While it brings new obligations, it also opens new possibilities for brands to manage stock more strategically and build stronger, more sustainable business models.
At Bundlex, we help brands turn regulation into results, taking excess stock off your hands and giving it new life through trusted resale channels. By redistributing unsold collections into verified markets, we make it easier to stay compliant, reduce waste, and recover value.
Book a call with our team to learn how Bundlex can help your brand turn excess stock into new revenue opportunities.
FAQs
What does EPR mean for fashion brands?
It means brands are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including what happens after the sale. This includes collection, recycling, and funding waste management systems.
Do all brands need to comply?
Yes, most regulations apply to all producers, whether you’re manufacturing locally or importing. The exact requirements depend on the country, but selling into an EPR market means you’ll need to register.
How can brands manage unsold stock under EPR?
The best strategy is prevention. Platforms like Bundlex allow you to redistribute and resell excess inventory quickly and legally, reducing waste and cost before it becomes a compliance issue.
