EU Ban on Unsold Textiles Takes Effect

A historic shift for the European textile industry has arrived. As of early 2026, new EU regulations strictly prohibit large companies from destroying unsold clothing and footwear. This landmark decision aims to curb the environmental impact of “deadstock” and forces a pivot toward more accurate demand forecasting and local redistribution. Companies are now required to disclose the volume of discarded products and prioritize upcycling or donation. For the industry, this isn’t just a compliance hurdle—it’s a catalyst for the growth of secondary markets and circular business models.