If your business manufactures, sells or distributes clothing and footwear across Europe, there’s a new piece of legislation that’s worth knowing about.
From July 2026, large companies operating within the European Union can no longer routinely destroy unsold clothing, footwear and fashion accessories. Instead, they’re expected to look at other options, such as reselling, donating, repairing or repurposing products wherever possible.
It’s all part of the EU’s drive to reduce waste and keep products in use for longer, supporting a more circular approach to manufacturing and retail.
Why has the law changed?
For years, surplus clothing and footwear have sometimes been destroyed simply because they couldn’t be sold. It might be excess stock, discontinued lines or returned items that never made it back onto the shelves.
The new rules are designed to change that by encouraging businesses to think differently about what happens to products at the end of their commercial life.
For many companies, that means taking a closer look at how they manage surplus stock and finding more sustainable alternatives wherever they can.
There are still exceptions
The legislation doesn’t mean products can never be destroyed.
There are still situations where secure destruction is appropriate, including damaged goods that can’t be repaired, counterfeit products and items that present health or safety concerns.
There are also plenty of products outside the scope of the legislation that still need to be disposed of securely. Branded workwear, PPE, confidential materials and uniforms are just a few examples where businesses may need a trusted partner to ensure products are handled responsibly.
How Perrys can help
At Perrys, we work with manufacturers, retailers and distributors on all kinds of stock clearances.
Sometimes that’s a few pallets of obsolete products. Other times it’s full articulated trailer loads of redundant stock that need clearing quickly and efficiently. Every business is different, so we take the time to understand what’s involved and recommend the most suitable approach.
Where materials can be recycled, we’ll always look to keep them in the circular economy wherever possible. Where secure destruction is the right option, we’ll make sure it’s carried out safely, responsibly and with complete peace of mind.
Although these new rules only apply to certain businesses operating in the EU, they’re another sign that responsible stock management is becoming increasingly important. More companies are looking at how they reduce waste, make better use of surplus products and demonstrate their environmental credentials.
If you’ve got redundant stock taking up valuable space, are planning a warehouse clearance or simply want to talk through the options, we’re always happy to help.
If you want to work with a reputable industry expert in recycling and recovery, contact us today. Email us at info@perrys-recycling.co.uk. Learn more: www.perrys-recycling.co.uk.
Source:
European Commission, “New EU rules stop destruction of unsold clothes and shoes”: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-rules-stop-destruction-unsold-clothes-and-shoes-2026-02-09_en
European Commission, ESPR delegated act and explanatory guidance: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d211580f-c888-4f4e-848d-c10da6f03ce6_en?filename=C_2026_659_1_EN_ACT_part1_FINAL.pdf
