Takeaways

• The EU has introduced new rules banning the destruction of unsold clothes, footwear, and accessories to cut textile waste.
• Companies must disclose how many unsold products they discard, starting 2027, with large firms facing a ban from 2026.
• The move supports a circular economy and could prevent millions of tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

The European Commission has adopted new rules aimed at stopping one of the fashion industry’s most wasteful practices: Destroying unsold clothes and shoes. Announced on February 9 under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the measures seek to reduce textile waste, lower emissions, and push companies toward more sustainable business models.

Each year, an estimated 4–9% of unsold textiles in Europe are destroyed before they are ever worn. This practice generates around 5.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions, roughly equal to Sweden’s total annual net emissions in 2021. Officials say such waste undermines both environmental goals and economic efficiency.

Under the new rules, companies will no longer be allowed to routinely dispose of unsold apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear. Instead, they must explore alternatives such as resale, reuse, remanufacturing, or donations. The aim is to extend product life and encourage a more circular economy.

Read More: New EU Rules Scale Back Sustainability Reporting for Some Firms

To ensure accountability, the Commission has introduced mandatory disclosure requirements. Businesses will need to report the volumes of unsold goods they discard using a standardized format. These reporting rules will apply from February 2027, giving firms time to adapt their operations.

A separate ban on destruction will take effect earlier for larger players. From July 19, 2026, large companies will be prohibited from destroying unsold clothing and shoes. Medium-sized companies will follow in 2030. However, limited exceptions, such as safety risks or damaged products, will be permitted under clearly defined derogations, monitored by national authorities.

Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, said the textile industry has a key role in Europe’s sustainability transition. “The numbers on waste show the need to act. With these new measures, the textile sector will be empowered to move towards sustainable and circular practices, and we can boost our competitiveness and reduce our dependencies,” she said.

The move comes amid growing concerns about overproduction and returns linked to online shopping. In Germany alone, nearly 20 million returned items are discarded annually, while France destroys around €630 million worth of unsold products every year.

By discouraging waste and promoting smarter stock management, EU officials believe the rules will not only protect the environment but also create fairer competition for companies investing in sustainable practices. The ESPR is expected to make products sold in the EU more durable, reusable, and recyclable, marking a significant step toward greener consumption.

Also Read: EU Expands PFAS Restrictions Ahead of REACH Law Overhaul

As pressure builds on the fashion sector to clean up its footprint, the new EU rules signal that throwing away perfectly usable clothes may soon be a thing of the past.

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Source: European Commission