From 19 July, new EU rules prohibit large companies across the European Union from destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear. The measures are designed to reduce waste and extend product lifecycles by requiring businesses to prioritize keeping goods in use. Companies are expected to focus on selling remaining stock or preparing items for reuse rather than disposal or destruction. The rules are part of the EU’s “Ecodesign for Sustainable Products” framework. The obligations apply immediately to large firms, while medium-sized companies are set to face similar restrictions starting in 2030. The texts presented by the outlets describe a phased approach based on company size, with the initial implementation targeting larger businesses. Overall, the policy aims to prevent the wasteful end-of-life treatment of still-usable clothing and related products, shifting legal requirements toward reuse and resale pathways instead.