The European Commission on 9 February adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) targeting the disposal of unsold textile goods. The measures include a ban on destroying unsold apparel, accessories and footwear, alongside mandatory disclosure requirements for companies.
The initiative aims to reduce waste, lower environmental damage and support companies transitioning towards circular business models.
Measures adopted under the ESPR framework
The European Commission adopted new actions designed to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear.
The measures are intended to reduce waste generation, limit environmental impact and create equal conditions for companies adopting sustainable production and distribution models, supporting the transition towards a circular economy.
Each year in Europe, between 4 and 9 percent of unsold textiles are destroyed before being worn. This practice generates approximately 5.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, a level close to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021.
Disclosure requirements and prohibition rules
Under the ESPR, companies are required to disclose information about unsold consumer products that are discarded as waste.
The regulation also introduces a prohibition on destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear.
The Delegated and Implementing Acts adopted on 9 February are designed to support companies in complying with the new requirements.
Clarifying derogations
The Delegated Act defines specific and justified cases where destruction may still be allowed, including safety risks or product damage. National authorities will be responsible for supervising compliance.
Facilitating disclosure
The Implementing Act introduces a standardised reporting format for companies to declare the volumes of unsold consumer goods discarded as waste. This requirement will apply from February 2027, allowing companies time to adapt their reporting systems.
Expected business adjustments under the new framework
Instead of discarding unsold stock, companies are encouraged to improve stock management and returns handling, and to consider alternative solutions such as resale, remanufacturing, donation or reuse.
The prohibition on destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear, together with the applicable derogations, will apply to large companies from 19 July 2026.
Medium-sized companies are expected to follow in 2030.
Disclosure requirements under the ESPR already apply to large companies and will extend to medium-sized companies in 2030.
Statement from the European Commission
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, stated:
"The textile sector is leading the way in the transition to sustainability, but there are still challenges. The numbers on waste show the need to act. With these new measures, the textile sector will be empowered to move towards sustainable and circular practices, and we can boost our competitiveness and reduce our dependencies."
The destruction of unsold goods remains a widespread practice. In France alone, approximately €630 million worth of unsold products are destroyed annually.
Online shopping contributes to the issue. In Germany, nearly 20 million returned items are discarded each year.
Textiles represent a significant share of this waste stream and remain a central focus of European Union action. Through the ESPR, the European Commission aims to make products placed on the EU market more durable, reusable and recyclable, while increasing efficiency and circularity across supply chains.