EU moves to stop destruction of unsold fashion goods under new eco-design rules
The European Commission has introduced new measures aimed at ending the destruction of unsold clothing and footwear, a practice long criticised for its environmental impact.
Adopted on 9 February under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the rules are intended to reduce waste, limit environmental damage and support companies moving toward more circular business models.
Across Europe, an estimated 4–9% of unsold textiles are destroyed before they are ever worn. This practice generates around 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, nearly equal to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021. These figures underline the scale of overproduction and the need for better management of surplus stock.
The ESPR introduces two main obligations for companies. Businesses must disclose how much unsold consumer product they discard as waste. A standardised reporting format will apply from February 2027, giving companies time to adapt their systems.
The regulation also bans the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear. The ban will apply to large companies from 19 July 2026, with medium-sized companies expected to follow in 2030. The disclosure requirement already applies to large companies and will extend to medium-sized firms in 2030.
The regulation allows destruction only in specific and justified cases, such as safety concerns or irreparable product damage. National authorities will oversee compliance with these exemptions.
Instead of discarding excess inventory, companies are encouraged to improve forecasting, manage returns more effectively and explore alternatives such as resale, remanufacturing, donation or reuse.
The measures are expected to help reduce textile waste while supporting businesses that adopt more responsible production and inventory practices. As implementation timelines approach, brands selling into the EU market will need stronger tracking, transparency and end-of-life strategies to keep products in use for longer rather than sending them to destruction.
