EU agrees to ban on destruction of unsold clothing

The European Union is trying to put an end to the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes. The European Parliament and the European Council have this to say an agreement reaches.

With the new rules, Brussels hopes to force a change in the clothing industry. Figures from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management show that approximately 6 percent of all clothing in the Netherlands is not sold every year. Some of the unsold or returned clothing ends up in the incinerator or shredder. In 2015, it was estimated that 1.2 million items of clothing were produced per year. This waste is a thorn in the side of the EU.

The EU member states and the entire EU parliament still have to agree to the agreement early next year, but that counts as a formality. Large clothing companies then have two years to adjust their business operations. Medium-sized companies will have an adjustment period of six years.

There will also be rules that should encourage manufacturers to make products that last longer and are easier to repair. If that is no longer possible, it should also be easier to recycle the products. In addition, there will be rules that should reduce the use of raw materials, energy and water during production.

“It is time to put an end to the ‘take, make, throw away’ model that is so damaging to our planet, our health and our economy,” said Italian MP Alessandra Moretti, who spearheaded this regulations in parliament. “Sustainable products will become the norm.”