EU bans destruction of unsold clothing, shoes and accessories

From 19 July 2026 the European Union’s Ecodesign Regulation will prohibit large companies from destroying new, unsold textiles, shoes and accessories. Firms must first try to sell the items, donate them, or direct them to reuse schemes; recycling is allowed only as a last resort. Medium‑size firms must comply from 2030, while small businesses are exempt.

The measure aims to cut avoidable waste, lower the environmental impact of production, transport and disposal, and promote circular use of fashion goods. Critics note loopholes and question whether the ban will fundamentally change a production system that often destroys excess stock to protect brand pricing, citing past incidents such as Burberry’s £28.6 million waste in 2018 and Amazon’s “destroy stations” in German warehouses. Environmental groups also warn that exemptions may let significant amounts of unsold goods continue to be discarded.