{"id":19448,"date":"2026-02-16T15:25:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T13:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cbcsd.cz\/?p=19448"},"modified":"2026-02-16T15:28:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T13:28:02","slug":"new-eu-rules-to-stop-the-destruction-of-unsold-clothes-and-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cbcsd.cz\/en\/new-eu-rules-to-stop-the-destruction-of-unsold-clothes-and-shoes\/","title":{"rendered":"New EU Rules to Stop the Destruction of Unsold Clothes and Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 9 February 2026, the European Commission adopted Delegated and Implementing Acts under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation <\/strong>(\u201cESPR\u201c<\/strong>). to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear<\/strong> (\u201cRules\u201c<\/strong>). 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. The Rules are available at these links: link1<\/a> and link2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Every year in Europe,<\/strong> an estimated\u00a04-9% of unsold textiles\u00a0are destroyed before ever being worn<\/strong>. This waste generates around\u00a05.6 million tons\u00a0of CO2<\/sub> emissions \u2013 almost equal to Sweden\u2019s 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<\/strong>. Instead of discarding stock, companies are encouraged to manage their stock more effectively, handle returns, and explore alternatives such as resale, remanufacturing, donations, or reuse.<\/p>\n<\/a>

The Rules will support businesses in complying with these requirements by:<\/h3>\n