Ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes.

Under the new rules, businesses must prioritise keeping products in use by selling them or preparing them for reuse.

From 19 July, large companies across the EU are prohibited from destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear. Medium-sized companies will be subject to the same rules from 2030.

The measure, introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aims to prevent the waste of valuable products and the resources used to make them.

When new, usable goods are discarded, the raw materials, water, energy and labour invested in their production are lost, while their disposal generates avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging reuse, repair and more resource-efficient business practices, the new rules support the transition to a more circular and competitive European economy. 

Read more here: Ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes