Title of the thesis : The Effect of Sustainable Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations on Post– consumer Textile Sorting in the Finnish Apparel companies.
Makwana, Komal (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235786
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235786
Tiivistelmä
The European Union generates about 5.8 million tonnes of textile waste every year, therefore creating problems for the Circular Economy. To overcome these barriers, Finland will enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations from producers to municipalities in 2025 through amendments to the Waste Act 2021. However, there are few works that provide evidence of how Finnish apparel manufacturers are practically using EPR regulations to help solve the critical barrier of sorting Post Consumer Textiles (PCT).
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Sustainable EPR regulations impacted how companies involved in the post consumer textile recycling chain sorted their textiles in Finland. The research aimed to identify the effect of regulatory pressure on sorting volume, accuracy, and infrastructure investment.
The research employed a quantitative strategy based on a survey of 57 respondents, including managers from brands, retail chains, and sorting companies in Finland. The theoretical framework utilized the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) theory, the Polluter Pays Principle, and Institutional Theory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to interpret industry trends and compliance behaviors.
The findings indicate a high level of general regulatory awareness but a confusing interpretation of specific company obligations. While EPR regulations have driven an increase in sorting volume for many firms, this has not yet translated into significant improvements in sorting accuracy or quality. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.996) between sorting volume and perceived sustainability image, yet collaboration with external partners remains low.
In conclusion, the EPR system has begun influencing sorting behavior, but its impact is limited by insufficient guidance and collaboration. This study contributes to the field by demonstrating that while coercive regulatory pressure drives volume, clearer normative guidance and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are required to achieve the high quality sorting necessary for a functional circular economy.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Sustainable EPR regulations impacted how companies involved in the post consumer textile recycling chain sorted their textiles in Finland. The research aimed to identify the effect of regulatory pressure on sorting volume, accuracy, and infrastructure investment.
The research employed a quantitative strategy based on a survey of 57 respondents, including managers from brands, retail chains, and sorting companies in Finland. The theoretical framework utilized the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) theory, the Polluter Pays Principle, and Institutional Theory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to interpret industry trends and compliance behaviors.
The findings indicate a high level of general regulatory awareness but a confusing interpretation of specific company obligations. While EPR regulations have driven an increase in sorting volume for many firms, this has not yet translated into significant improvements in sorting accuracy or quality. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.996) between sorting volume and perceived sustainability image, yet collaboration with external partners remains low.
In conclusion, the EPR system has begun influencing sorting behavior, but its impact is limited by insufficient guidance and collaboration. This study contributes to the field by demonstrating that while coercive regulatory pressure drives volume, clearer normative guidance and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are required to achieve the high quality sorting necessary for a functional circular economy.