The document was signed on February 9 and published on the official website of the European Commission.
Motivations
Experts estimate that between 4 and 9% of unsold textiles are destroyed in Europe each year, resulting in emissions of around 5.6 million tons of CO₂ – comparable to Sweden’s annual emissions in 2021.
In France alone, the value of destroyed goods reaches 630 million euros annually, and in Germany, around 20 million online orders are returned to retailers and recycled.
The new rules oblige companies to disclose data on unsold products and, starting from July 19, 2026, large businesses are deprived of the right to destroy unsold residues, Profashion writes. Medium-sized companies are given a transition period until 2030.
Exceptions are still possible: destruction is allowed if the goods pose a security risk or are damaged to the point where further use is impossible. National authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance with the rules.
From 2027, companies will have to provide disposal reports in a single standardized format. Brussels specifies that this time is given to businesses to adapt internal processes.
There is an alternative
Instead of destruction, manufacturers and retailers are offered alternative ways: accurate stock planning, resale, recycling, refurbishment, bespoke tailoring or donating items to charity.
These measures should not only reduce waste, but also level the playing field for companies already adopting sustainable business models.
“The textile sector is moving towards sustainability, but challenges remain. The numbers speak for themselves: action is needed,” emphasized Jessica Rosewall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Sustainability and Competitive Circular Economy.
Industry experts warn that the fashion industry’s environmental impact is growing: according to Collective Fashion Justice, the global fashion industry emits 8.3 million tons of methane annually, a greenhouse gas that can cause global warming ten times more potent than CO₂.
