🌍🏛️ EU bans destruction of unsold clothing and footwear

Oneliner

The European Commission has enacted new ecodesign measures banning large companies from destroying unsold clothing and footwear starting 19 July 2026, with medium-sized companies following by July 2030. The regulations clarify permitted exceptions for destruction, such as safety concerns, and introduce standardized reporting on discarded volumes. This initiative aims to reduce the textile sector's significant carbon emissions and promote a circular economy.

Key points

• Large companies must stop destroying unsold textiles by 19 July 2026.
• Medium-sized companies will follow suit by July 2030.
• Exceptions for destruction include safety concerns and product damage.
• Standardized reporting on discarded volumes will be mandatory.

Links

• EFE: La UE prohibirá a las grandes empresas destruir calzado y ropa no vendida desde julio - EFE
• RTBF: Nouvelles mesures européennes contre la destruction des vêtements et chaussures invendus - RTBF Actus

Facts

• The ban on destruction applies to large companies from 19 July 2026.
• Medium-sized companies must comply by July 2030.
• The textile sector generates around 5.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
• Destruction is permitted only under specific circumstances, including safety and damage.
• Standardized reporting on discarded volumes will be mandatory for companies.

Quotes

• The figures on waste show the need to act — Jessika Roswall

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