Key Points
- The EU banned large companies from destroying their unsold clothing and shoes with a new regulation.
- The destruction of unsold textile products causes approximately 5.6 million tons of carbon emissions annually.
- As of February 2027, companies will be required to report the amount of destroyed products in a standard format.
- The said ban is planned to cover medium-sized enterprises as of 2030.
By the Numbers
The European Union (EU) has put into effect a new regulation banning large companies from destroying unsold clothing, accessories, and shoes on European soil. The new rule was introduced as part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) adopted by the European Commission.
According to official data, 4 to 9 percent of unsold textile products in Europe are destroyed every year without ever being used. This practice causes approximately 5.6 million tons of carbon emissions, leading to a serious environmental problem. The rapid disposal of returned products in countries like France and Germany highlights the magnitude of the problem.
With the new regulation, companies will be forced to manage their stocks much more efficiently and turn to alternative methods such as resale and donation. While the rule is planned to be applied strictly, except for exceptional security and damage situations, it is envisioned to be expanded as of 2030 to include medium-sized companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly does this new EU rule ban?
- It bans large companies from destroying unsold clothing, accessories, and shoes, except in very specific cases such as product safety issues or damages.
- Which companies will be affected by the new regulation and when?
- The law, which entered into force on Sunday, currently covers large companies. It will be expanded as of 2030 to include medium-sized companies.
- How does the destruction of unsold clothes harm the environment?
- In Europe, this practice causes approximately 5.6 million tons of carbon emissions annually, and this figure is almost equal to Sweden's net emissions in 2021.
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