Taboo
Beyond the visibility of clothing piling up in African landfills, luxury brands have long faced scrutiny for destroying perfectly wearable stock to protect brand value and pricing. The landfilling and incineration of unsold textiles is estimated to generate 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Growing concern, both within and outside the fashion industry has prompted an expansive regulatory response from, among others, the European Union (“EU”).
From 19 July 2026, large companies operating in the EU, defined as those with more than 250 employees, a turnover of exceeding EUR50 million, or total assets above EUR25 million, will be prohibited from destroying unsold apparel, footwear and accessories.
