New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes
Delegated and Implementing Acts will support companies in complying with the new requirements.
On 9 February, the European Commission adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aimed at preventing the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear.
The new rules are designed to reduce waste, limit environmental damage, and create a level playing field for companies adopting sustainable business models — allowing them to benefit from a more circular economy.
Each year in Europe, an estimated 4–9% of unsold textiles are destroyed before ever being worn. This waste generates approximately 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions — nearly equivalent to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021.
To help curb this wasteful practice, the ESPR requires companies to disclose information about unsold consumer products discarded as waste. It also introduces a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear.
The Delegated and Implementing Acts adopted will support businesses in complying with these requirements through:
Clarification of exemptions
The Delegated Act outlines specific and justified circumstances in which destruction will be permitted — for example, for safety reasons or due to product damage. National authorities will oversee compliance.
Facilitating disclosure
The Implementing Act introduces a standardized format enabling companies to report the volumes of unsold consumer goods they discard. This requirement will apply from February 2027, giving businesses sufficient time to adapt.
Instead of disposing of stock, companies are encouraged to improve inventory management, better handle returns, and explore alternatives such as resale, remanufacturing, donation, or reuse.
The ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear — along with the defined exemptions — will apply to large companies starting 19 July 2026. Medium-sized enterprises are expected to follow in 2030. The ESPR disclosure obligations already apply to large companies and will extend to medium-sized companies in 2030.
As stated by Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy:
“The textile sector is at the forefront of the transition towards sustainability, but challenges remain. Waste data shows the need for action. With these new measures, the textile sector will be strengthened in moving towards sustainable and circular practices, increasing our competitiveness while reducing our dependencies.”
