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The Minister of the Environment meets with textile industry representatives in Montemurlo. Corertex among the signatories of the joint proposal for the future of the sector.
As part of his institutional tour in Tuscany, Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin met with representatives of Prato’s textile district at Comistra Srl in Montemurlo. He was welcomed by Hon. Erica Mazzetti, MP for Forza Italia and lead candidate in the upcoming regional elections, along with key trade and professional associations: Confindustria Toscana Nord, CNA Toscana Centro, Confartigianato Prato, Confartigianato Moda, Palazzo delle Professioni, Cardato Riciclato Pratese, and Corertex.
A Constructive Dialogue on the Future of the Sector
The meeting addressed the main issues concerning the sustainability and competitiveness of the textile industry:
alignment of national policies with European directives,
strengthening of the ecological transition,
environmental safety,
energy costs and raw material supply,
protection of Made in Italy production and the fight against fast fashion and unfair competition.
The associations presented the minister with a joint document summarizing the priorities and proposals of the Prato district. Among the key points: revising End of Waste regulations, ensuring fair implementation of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), and recognizing the value created by those who transform textile waste into reusable resources.
Voices from the District
“We brought together the entire Prato district – the largest in Europe and historically the most committed to recycling,” said Hon. Erica Mazzetti. “The government is working on new regulations, but it is essential to start from the core of the supply chain by supporting reuse and recycling.”
Fabrizio Tesi, president of Astri, emphasized Prato’s strategic importance: “Over 90% of the sector’s exports come from Prato. The textile industry is one of the few sectors where reuse is a well-established practice, with rates exceeding 60%.”
Minister Pichetto Fratin’s Remarks
The minister expressed openness to collaboration and acknowledged the district’s role:
“The challenge is to find a balance among all stakeholders. We are close to a final agreement, pending last adjustments. However, we must maintain a pragmatic approach: while Europe pushes for an ideological EPR model, our market is flooded with low-quality imports. Listening to those who work in the sector every day is crucial.”
At the close of the meeting, Erica Mazzetti reaffirmed the importance of long-term cooperation: “Beyond new regulations, we need infrastructure and facilities that allow the production cycle to be completed locally. Only then can we ensure growth, employment, and true sustainability.”
