New EU Rules To Stop the Destruction of Unsold Clothes and Shoes

Source: Slashdot

New EU Measures to Prevent Destruction of Unsold Apparel

The European Commission has adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories, and footwear.

• The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage, and create a level playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them to reap the benefits of a more circular economy.
• Every year in Europe, an estimated 4‑9 % of unsold textiles are destroyed before ever being worn. This waste generates around 5.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions—almost equal to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021.
• To help reduce this wasteful practice, the ESPR requires companies to disclose information on the unsold consumer products they discard as waste.
• It also introduces a ban on the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear.