Countdown to the EU Ban on Unsold Textiles

The clock is ticking for large textile retailers. As of July 19, 2026, the European Union will officially enforce the ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear under the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation). This measure aims to tackle the environmental toll of overproduction—estimated to generate 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Companies must now pivot toward smarter inventory management, donation programs, and chemical-free recycling. While large firms face the deadline this summer, medium-sized enterprises have until 2030 to comply.