“The European Commission on 9th of February adopted new measures under the
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of
unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear.
The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level
playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them
to reap the benefits of a more circular economy.
Every year in Europe, an estimated 4-9% of unsold textiles are destroyed before
ever being worn. This waste generates around 5.6 million tons of CO2 emissions –
almost equal to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021.
To help reduce this wasteful practice, the ESPR requires companies to disclose
information on the unsold consumer products they discard as waste. It also
introduces a ban on the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and
footwear.
The Delegated and Implementing Acts adopted today will support businesses in
complying with these requirements by:
- Clarifying derogations: The Delegated Act outlines specific and justified
circumstances under which the destruction will be permitted, for instance,
due to safety reasons or product damage. National authorities will oversee
compliance. - Facilitating disclosure: The Implementing Act introduces a standardised
format for businesses to disclose the volumes of unsold consumer goods they
discard. This applies from February 2027, giving businesses sufficient time to
adapt.
Instead of discarding stock, companies are encouraged to manage their stock more
effectively, handle returns, and explore alternatives such as resale,
remanufacturing, donations, or reuse.
The ban on destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear and
the derogations will apply to large companies from 19 July 2026. Medium-sized
companies are expected to follow in 2030. The rules on disclosure under the ESPR
already apply to large companies and will also apply to medium-sized companies in
2030”.
