EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
The European Union has implemented a new regulation prohibiting large companies from destroying unsold clothing and footwear. This policy aims to reduce waste and promote a circular economy by encouraging businesses to donate, repair, or recycle excess inventory.
Why it matters
This is a significant regulatory shift in the fashion industry that forces major brands to adopt more sustainable supply chain and inventory management practices.
© jaturunp | Getty Images From 19 July, large companies across the EU are prohibited from destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear. Medium-sized companies will be subject to the same rules from 2030.
The measure, introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aims to prevent the waste of valuable products and the resources used to make them.
When new, usable goods are discarded, the raw materials, water, energy and labour invested in their production are lost, while their disposal generates avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging reuse, repair and more resource-efficient business practices, the new rules support the transition to a more circular and competitive European economy.
Under the new rules, businesses must prioritise keeping products in use by selling them (including through discounts or alternative markets), donating them to charities or social enterprises, or preparing them for reuse (repairing, refurbishing or remanufacturing).
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in