The European Union moves to halt the destruction of unsold garments, targeting textile waste and accelerating the shift towards a circular economy.
EU acts to stop the destruction of textile waste under new eco-design rules
The European Union has taken decisive action against the destruction of textile waste, including unsold clothing, accessories and footwear. Under new measures adopted within the framework of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the European Commission aims to end a practice that each year burns resources, generates pollution and fuels waste.
According to Commission estimates, between 4% and 9% of unsold textile products in Europe are destroyed before ever being worn. This results in around 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, a volume comparable to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021. The figures highlight a clear paradox: new garments transformed into waste with significant environmental impact.
Transparency and ban on destruction: what the ESPR provides
To address this issue, the ESPR introduces a dual approach: a disclosure obligation and a ban on destruction. Companies will be required to report the volumes of unsold consumer goods they discard as waste. In addition, the regulation establishes a prohibition on destroying unsold clothing, accessories and footwear.
Delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission clarify how the measures will apply. The delegated act defines exemptions, allowing destruction only in specific circumstances, such as safety concerns or product damage. National authorities will be responsible for monitoring compliance.
Standardised reporting format and timeline
To enhance transparency, the implementing act introduces a standardised format for reporting data on unsold goods. The new scheme will enter into force in February 2027, giving companies time to adapt.
The implementation timeline is already defined. The ban on destruction will apply to large companies from 19 July 2026, while medium-sized enterprises will have to comply by 2030. Disclosure obligations are already in force for large companies and will extend to medium-sized companies in the same year.
Towards a circular textile economy
The reform aims to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy model in the textile sector. Companies are encouraged to improve inventory management, optimise returns handling and consider alternatives such as resale, refurbishment, donations and reuse.
“The destruction of unsold goods is a wasteful practice,” the Commission underlined. In France alone, products worth approximately €630 million are destroyed each year.
For Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, the textile sector is “at the forefront of the transition towards sustainability, yet significant challenges remain. The figures on waste demonstrate the need for action. With these new measures, the textile sector will be able to move towards sustainable and circular practices, increasing competitiveness and reducing dependency.”
