EU Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products enters into force, including ban on destruction of unsold textiles (eur-lex.europa.eu)

• ESPR entered into application on 18 July 2024, replacing the 2009 Ecodesign Directive.
• Large economic operators are banned from destroying unsold clothing, footwear, and other consumer products.
• Commission will adopt delegated acts setting ecodesign requirements for specific product groups.
• Digital product passports will be required for many products to enhance traceability and information availability.

"The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entered into application on 18 July 2024. It establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for most physical goods to improve environmental sustainability, durability, repairability, and recyclability. Notably, Article 24 prohibits large economic operators from destroying unsold consumer products, including clothing and footwear. The regulation repeals the previous Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and introduces digital product passports, information requirements, and potential restrictions on substances that hinder circularity."