- EU bans large companies from destroying unsold textiles from July 19, with medium-sized firms to follow from 2030.
- Rules require companies to prioritize reuse, repair, donation, or recycling of unsold items; destruction is only allowed in limited cases.
- Companies must keep records for five years, provide proof for exemptions, and face fines for non-compliance.
- The measure aims to reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy under the Ecodesign Regulation.
- Textiles are targeted due to high pre-use destruction rates (4-9% of market volume), equivalent to 264,000-594,000 tonnes annually.