EU bans destruction of unsold clothes, shoes to combat waste

New Regulation Begins

As of July 19, 2024, large companies in the EU will no longer be able to destroy unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear. This prohibition is part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aimed at reducing resource waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with discarded products. Medium-sized companies will be required to follow these rules starting in 2030.

Objectives of the Ban

The core goal of the regulation is to prevent the waste of valuable materials used in product manufacturing. By promoting reuse and resource efficiency, the EU aims to foster a circular economy, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness in the textile sector.

Restrictions on Destruction

The regulation stipulates that destruction of unsold textiles may only occur in limited circumstances—such as safety concerns, damage, or intellectual property violations. Companies must document these circumstances and provide annual reports on what was discarded to prevent abuse of the policy.

Enforcement and Compliance

National authorities will be responsible for enforcing compliance, including the capability of imposing fines for violations. A five-year record-keeping requirement will be instituted for companies, although small and micro-businesses are exempted to reduce their administrative burden.

Background on ESPR

The ESPR sets EU-wide standards for product durability, reparability, and recyclability, establishing a framework for improving the sustainability of consumer goods. The ban on destroying unsold textiles marks a significant step in implementing these standards, particularly addressing the environmental concerns associated with textile waste.