The European Union is moving to significantly reduce textile waste by banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, a key measure under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The prohibition will come into force for large companies starting in July 2026 and extend to medium-sized enterprises in July 2030. Smaller businesses will remain exempt.
The ESPR, which officially came into effect on 18 July 2024, targets the environmental footprint of consumer goods, with textiles and footwear among the first sectors addressed. According to Shoosmiths and Withers, the destruction ban will also be accompanied by new disclosure requirements. Companies must report publicly on the quantity, weight, and reasons for discarding unsold goods.
By prioritising transparency and discouraging wasteful practices, the EU aims to incentivise longer product life cycles and more circular approaches to design and production. The gradual rollout gives businesses time to adapt, while aligning industry practices with the EU’s broader sustainability and resource efficiency goals.
This legislative shift underscores the growing urgency to tackle textile overproduction and the environmental harm associated with fast fashion.
