EU to prohibit destruction of unsold footwear

Reports suggest that every year up to 9 per cent of unsold, unused footwear and apparel is destroyed within Europe.

The European Commission is driving through a policy designed to prevent large companies in the European Union (EU) from destroying unsold footwear and apparel. The goal of this legislation – which is expected to become law in July 2026 – is to end a procedure that is claimed to annually generate considerable CO₂ emissions.

According to Jessika Roswall, the EU’s commissioner for environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy, the textiles sector is leading the transition to sustainability. However, challenges remain, with waste figures said to indicate there is a need to act now.

Reports suggest that every year between 4 and 9 per cent of unsold, unused footwear and apparel is destroyed within Europe, which reportedly generates some 5.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions. The destruction ban will apply to ‘large’ companies from July 19^th 2026, with ‘medium-sized’ businesses expected to be affected four years later.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 3 of the March 2026 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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