The European Union’s ban on destroying unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear has officially taken effect for large companies. As part of the broader Eco Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), large retailers can no longer destroy unsold apparel. An estimated 4% to 9% of unsold textiles in Europe were previously destroyed before being worn, generating roughly 5.6 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
But will this actually change how fashion retailers manage inventory, or will large companies just find quieter ways around it?
We break down why the data challenges and alternative disposal methods might make this law more aspirational than realistic.
