EU Implements Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothing to Promote Circular Fashion Economy
The European Union has enacted a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear, effective July 19, 2026. This regulation, part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), mandates that large fashion companies prioritize resale, donation, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, or recycling over disposal. The initiative aims to reduce textile waste and encourage a shift towards a circular economy within the fashion industry. Medium-sized businesses will be required to comply by 2030, while small and micro businesses are currently exempt. The regulation allows destruction only in specific cases, such as when products are unsafe or damaged beyond repair.