EU Ban on Destruction of Unsold Clothing Takes Effect

As of 19 July, a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, fashion accessories and footwear by large companies took effect in the European Union. Medium-sized enterprises will be required to comply with the new rules starting in 2030.

The measure is part of the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) and is intended to reduce waste of usable goods and the resources needed to produce them.

Companies will be required to first offer unsold products at a discount, sell them in other markets, donate them to charities or prepare them for reuse through repair or refurbishment.

Disposal will be permitted only in exceptional cases, such as when products are damaged, hazardous, counterfeit or rejected by charitable organizations. Companies will be required to document such cases and publish annual data on disposed goods.

Compliance with the rules will be monitored by national authorities, which may impose fines for violations.

According to the European Environment Agency, between 264,000 and 594,000 metric tons of textiles are destroyed in Europe each year before they are used, representing approximately 4%–9% of all products placed on the market.

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