The European Parliament and EU member states announced new rules to crack down on fast fashion and reduce waste, including a ban on destroying unsold clothes.

The new rules, first proposed by the European Commission last year, impose tougher rules on products to ensure they last longer and are easier to repair and recycle.

The law bans the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, and will apply two years after the law enters into force. Medium-size companies will have a six-year exemption, while smaller companies are wholly exempt from the ban.

The commission, the EU's executive arm, will also have the power to extend the ban to other unsold products beyond clothing and footwear.

The law will also set specific requirements for key consumer goods in order to boost the durability of the products. Priority will be given to "highly impactful products" including clothing, furniture, mattresses as well as electronic goods.

Source: Barron’s

https://www.barrons.com/news/eu-approves-ban-on-destruction-of-unsold-clothing-18051565