On Monday 9 February, the European Commission adopted new measures to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes.
This delegated regulation (https://aeur.eu/f/kn6 ) supplements the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (see EUROPE 13418/23). By promoting reuse and recycling, these measures will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies, explains the Commission. They should enable the textile sector to move faster towards more circular practices and is another step in promoting the circular economy in the European Union.
From 19 July 2026, large companies will be banned from destroying unsold consumer products, particularly textiles and footwear (from July 2030 for medium-sized companies).
However, derogations will be possible, subject to strict conditions, in particular for health, hygiene or safety reasons, in the case of damaged and non-repairable products, non-compliance with European or national legislation (forced labour, non-compliance with standards), infringement of intellectual property rights, or when products are technically unsuitable for re-use or reconditioning. Destruction may also be permitted for products refused by charities or with irreparable manufacturing defects.
Companies will have to keep proof of destruction (test reports, court rulings, contracts) for five years. This should only be done as a last resort, after assessing alternatives such as repair, donation or recycling. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)