EU ban on destroying unsold clothes takes effect
The European Union has banned large fashion companies from destroying unsold clothing, footwear and accessories, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
A ban on the disposal of unsold clothes and shoes took effect across the European Union on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in the bloc's latest move to cut waste. The new rule, part of the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, prohibits large companies with over 250 employees and more than €50 million in net annual turnover from destroying unsold clothing, accessories and footwear.
Under the regulation, firms must now find alternative ways to handle unsold stock, such as selling at discounts, donating to charity, or supplying second-hand markets. The only exceptions are items that are unsafe, damaged, counterfeit, or rejected by charities. Companies are also required to publish annual reports on discarded goods and keep records for five years.
The regulation, approved by Brussels more than two years ago, will be extended to medium-sized companies in 2030.
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), 4% to 9% of unsold textile products are destroyed each year across the EU. The waste has been exacerbated by the rise of online shopping and returns—one in five fashion goods ordered online is returned and not resold. This amounts to hundreds of thousands of tons of apparel, accessories and footwear annually.
The German Retail Federation (HDE) said consumers would benefit as more discounted goods become available through outlets, clearance markets and second-hand channels. However, HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth warned that not all unsold goods can be easily resold or donated due to damaged packaging, high logistics costs, lack of demand or low product value.
Environmental groups hope the ban will reduce waste and overproduction in the fashion industry, and help cut greenhouse gas emissions from incinerating unsold textiles.
