MEP Delara Burkhardt (S&D) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing for concrete measures to prevent companies from circumventing the upcoming EU ban on the destruction of unsold textiles. The ban, set to take effect for large companies in July 2026 under the Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, aims to reduce waste and promote circularity in the fashion industry. Burkhardt's questions target three specific loopholes that could undermine the regulation's effectiveness.
Burkhardt asks what measures the Commission envisages to stop unsold textiles from being exported to non-EU countries for destruction, particularly in light of EU waste shipment rules. She also queries how the Commission will prevent large companies from channeling unsold goods through affiliated or contracted micro and small enterprises, which are exempt from the ban until 2030. Finally, she requests details on the criteria and data the Commission will use to assess whether the ban should be extended to micro and small enterprises due to circumvention practices.
The question, dated 21 April 2026, reflects growing concern among lawmakers that the ban's exemptions and enforcement gaps could lead to unintended environmental harm and unfair competition. The Ecodesign Regulation prohibits large companies from destroying unsold textiles from July 2026, with medium-sized companies following in 2030, while micro and small enterprises remain exempt. Burkhardt's intervention seeks to ensure that the ban is not rendered ineffective by creative compliance strategies.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up
Burkhardt's questions signal a push for stricter enforcement and a possible expansion of the ban's scope. By focusing on export circumvention and corporate structuring, she advocates for a more comprehensive approach to textile waste reduction. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answers will indicate whether it plans to introduce additional safeguards or propose extending the ban to smaller firms. The response will be closely watched by environmental NGOs, EU textile producers, and retailers, as it could shape future regulatory measures and compliance costs.
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