New rules came into effect in the European Union today prohibiting large companies from destroying unsold clothing and footwear.

Under EU law, affected companies must either resell their goods or donate them instead of disposing of them.

The German Retail Federation stated that the ban could benefit consumers: 'By increasing the supply of discounted goods through outlets, clearance markets, and second-hand sales channels.'

The federation's executive director, Stefan Genth, sees potential environmental benefits, 'as the ban will reduce the destruction of nearly new clothing and increase opportunities to resell or donate products.'

Exceptions for goods

It is noted that destroying unsold goods is sometimes less costly than storing, renewing, or reintroducing them for sale.

The law includes exceptions for goods that are hazardous, damaged, or contaminated, or that cannot be reused or renewed. Additionally, products offered as donations to several social organizations in the EU may be destroyed if they are not accepted within a specified time frame.

The scope of the new rules is set to be expanded later to include companies. These measures are part of the EU's Ecodesign Regulation, which came into effect in July 2024.

New rules came into effect in the European Union today prohibiting large companies from destroying unsold clothing and footwear.

Under EU law, affected companies must either resell their goods or donate them instead of disposing of them.

The German Retail Federation stated that the ban could benefit consumers: “By increasing the supply of discounted goods through outlets, clearance markets, and second-hand sales channels.”

The federation's executive director, Stefan Genth, sees potential environmental benefits, “as the ban will reduce the destruction of nearly new clothing and increase opportunities to resell or donate products.”

Exceptions for goods

It is noted that destroying unsold goods is sometimes less costly than storing, renewing, or reintroducing them for sale.

The law includes exceptions for goods that are hazardous, damaged, or contaminated, or that cannot be reused or renewed. Additionally, products offered as donations to several social organizations in the EU may be destroyed if they are not accepted within a specified time frame.

The scope of the new rules is set to be expanded later to include companies. These measures are part of the EU's Ecodesign Regulation, which will come into effect in July 2024.