Regulations / Understanding ESG
Asian manufacturers gear up for EU ban on destroying unsold apparel
Mandate represents existential risks, transformative opportunities, spurs swift sustainability adaptations
Bayani Cruz
23 Feb 2026
The European Commission’s February 9 announcement of new Eco-design for Sustainable Product Regulation ( ESPR ) measures banning the destruction of unsold apparel and footwear has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, particularly in Asia, home to over 70% of the EU’s textile imports.