The European Union will begin implementing a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing as of July 19, 2026, and the Turkish textile sector, due to its geographic proximity and flexible production capabilities, expects the ban could be beneficial.
The EU regulation, a part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aims to curb environmental waste and promote a circular economy. The new rules target large companies, preventing them from burning or discarding surplus stock.
In the past, global brands such as Burberry, H&M, Nike, and Louis Vuitton have faced criticism for destroying millions of dollars’ worth of unsold goods to protect brand prestige. Under the new law, these companies must now prioritize resale, donation, and recycling. They will also be required to disclose exactly how much stock they discard and why.
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR TURKEY
Turkey’s textile producers, a major supplier to the European fashion market, may benefit from the change. EU retailers are expected to shift toward smaller, more frequent orders as they move away from high-volume, 'fast fashion' production to avoid unsold surpluses. This change favors Turkish manufacturers who specialize in 'near-shoring' — the ability to deliver small batches of high-quality products quickly, according to journalist Yener Karadeniz from the Ekonomim daily.
'Sustainability has become a vital concept due to the EU's Green Deal and 'Made in Europe' initiatives,' said Şeref Fayat, chair of the Ready-to-Wear and Clothing Industry Assembly within the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).
He said that global demand is currently low, and the new regulation could create a unique opening for local producers.
'It could lead brands to turn to Turkey,' Fayat added. 'Brands are now focusing on more sustainable products and processes, not just fast fashion.'
REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
The environmental stakes are high. The European Commission estimates that between 4% and 9% of unsold textiles in Europe are destroyed even before being worn. This practice generates approximately 5.6 million tons of CO2 emissions annually — a figure nearly equal to Sweden’s total net emissions in 2021.
By forcing companies to manage stock more effectively, the EU hopes to make the market more durable and sustainable. For Turkish exporters, adapting to EU standards is a necessity to remain competitive in the European market, not just an ethical choice. While medium-sized companies have until 2030 to comply, large Turkish suppliers are already restructuring their operations to meet the 2026 deadline.
