As part of the European Union’s commitment to a more sustainable and circular economy, a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories, and footwear by large companies entered into force on 19 July 2026.
The new rules encourage businesses to prioritize sustainable alternatives before considering disposal. Instead of destroying unsold products, companies are expected to explore options such as selling items at discounted prices, donating them to charitable organizations, repairing or refurbishing products, or preparing them for reuse. Destruction will only be permitted in exceptional cases, such as when products are unsafe, damaged, counterfeit, or cannot be donated.
These measures represent an important step towards reducing waste, conserving valuable resources, and promoting responsible consumption. Medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030, while small and micro-enterprises are exempt.
The Plastic Free July campaign reminds us that reducing waste goes beyond single-use plastics—it also means extending product lifecycles and embracing circular economy principles across all sectors. Through initiatives such as EDU4PlastiC, we continue to promote education and awareness that empower individuals and organizations to make more sustainable choices for the future.
