As of Sunday, July 19, the European Union has banned large companies in the textile sector from destroying their unsold clothing, shoes, and accessories. This rule will be extended to medium-sized companies in 2030.
Toward a cleaner fashion industry? As of Sunday, July 19, the European Union has banned large companies in the textile sector from destroying their unsold clothing, shoes, and accessories with the aim of promoting “a more rational use of resources,” according to Brussels.
The European Commission thus aims to “reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field among companies”. These new rules are part of the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR), which took effect in July 2024. The regulation aims to encourage the recycling of used textiles.
The European Union will authorize this practice only “under specific circumstances”. Indeed, unsold goods may be destroyed “for example, for safety reasons or in the event of product damage” or even in cases of intellectual property infringement (counterfeiting). At the same time, companies will be required to report the “volumes of unsold consumer goods they dispose of” starting in February 2027.
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Featured picture: © Bruno GUERRERO / UNSPLASH
