To “reduce environmental impact”: European Union launches new ban on clothing and shoes that comes into force this year

In order to put a definitive brake on a commercial practice that generates millions of tons of pollution every year, the European Union (EU) decided to put the brakes on. The clothing and footwear sector is facing a rigorous legislative change that aims to reduce the ecological footprint caused by excess production and waste. The new rule prevents new products from ending up in the trash or being incinerated without ever being used by consumers.

The European Commission has adopted measures that explicitly prohibit the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories and footwear. This decision forces big brands to radically change their stock and waste management strategies in a short space of time.

The information is provided by Jornal SOL, which details the contours of this imposition coming from Brussels. The ban must apply to large companies from July 19, 2026, marking a turning point in the sustainability policy of community space, in order to, according to the same source, “reduce the environmental impact”.

Massive waste of resources

Official estimates indicate that a significant percentage of textiles produced in Europe are discarded before they even reach the hands of the end customer. This unjustified waste is responsible for the annual emission of around 5.6 million tons of carbon dioxide.

The same source indicates that the central objective is to create fairer conditions of competition in the single market. Companies that are already committed to sustainable business models should not be harmed by those who opt for the easier and cheaper route of inventory destruction.

Mandatory alternatives to trash

The new rules require brands to find useful and circular destinations for items they cannot sell in their stores. Companies’ focus should primarily be on resale, donation to social entities or direct reuse of materials for new purposes.

Inventory optimization becomes a management priority to avoid excessive accumulation of surpluses on shelves and warehouses. The handling of returns will also have to be reviewed to prevent parts returned by customers from ending up destroyed.

Transparency and application deadlines

The aforementioned source explains that companies are now obliged to publicly disclose how many unsold products they decide to discard as waste. This transparency aims to hold brands accountable to consumers and allow for closer scrutiny of their environmental practices.

While large companies must comply with the law starting this summer, medium-sized companies benefit from a longer adaptation period. For these smaller organizations, the destruction ban and reporting duties will only come into force in 2030.

Strategy for the future

The Ecodesign Regulation serves as the legal basis for these new impositions that aim to transform the European market. The legislation aims to ensure that products offered for sale are more durable, efficient and easy to recycle.

It also explains why the textile sector was identified as a priority area of ​​intervention due to its negative impact on the environment. The European Union considers the practice of eliminating new consumer goods unacceptable and intends to force the transition to a circular economy.

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