The European Union has implemented a new ban on large companies destroying unsold clothing and footwear to reduce waste.
The European Union has officially banned large companies from destroying unsold clothes, accessories, and footwear, a move aimed at reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, firms with more than 250 employees and over €50 million in annual turnover must now prioritize reselling, donating, or refurbishing stock rather than discarding it. The administration announced that destruction is only permitted if items are unsafe, damaged, counterfeit, or rejected by charities. Companies are now required to maintain records for five years and publish annual reports on discarded goods. While the German Retail Federation (HDE) Managing Director Stefan Genth noted that high logistics costs and low product values may pose challenges for retailers, the GermanFashion apparel association welcomed the move as a signal for responsible resource use. The ban addresses the "fast fashion" trend, where 4% to 9% of textiles are destroyed annually. While some experts warn that the law may be a "paper tiger" without consistent enforcement, the regulation marks a significant step toward a circular economy where products are designed to last and be reused.