The rules banning large companies across the European Union (EU) from destroying unsold clothing products have officially come into effect. 

The policy took effect on Sunday, and the EU also announced that it would extend to medium-sized companies starting in 2030.

“From 19 July, large companies across the EU are prohibited from destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear. Medium-sized companies will be subject to the same rules from 2030,” the EU said in a statement on Friday. 

Under new rules to reduce waste in accordance with Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which entered force in July 2024, large companies across the EU can no longer dispose of unsold clothes, accessories and footwear.

According to the EU, discarding usable unsold goods results in the waste of raw materials, water, energy, and labour invested in their production; however, the new regulations are intended to promote reuse, repair, and more resource-efficient business practices.

Meanwhile, companies would still be allowed to destroy unsold products in limited circumstances, such as when items are unsafe, damaged, counterfeit, infringe intellectual property rights, or are rejected by charities. 

The organisation noted that companies looking to dispose of unsold products would need to provide documentation that the affected goods are eligible. 

“The ban on destroying unsold textiles is one of the first concrete measures under the ESPR. Textiles are the first product group subject to this ban due to the negative environmental impacts of current business models, which often lead to the destruction of unsold goods,” the EU added.