What is changing
- The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) sets durability, repairability, recycled-content and information rules per product group.
- Textiles are one of the first priority groups; detailed rules are expected through a delegated act in the coming years.
- Products in scope will need a Digital Product Passport — usually reached by a QR code — with material, origin and care information.
Destruction of unsold clothing
ESPR bans large companies from destroying unsold apparel and footwear from 19 July 2026. Medium-sized companies are expected to follow later; small and micro companies are currently exempt.
How to prepare
- Keep records of fabric suppliers, composition and certificates for every style.
- Know where each production step happened.
- Collect this data now — it will be easier than reconstructing it later.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and can differ by country — check the official sources or a qualified advisor before relying on it.