Get ready for ESPR for textiles
ESPR is changing how retailers handle unsold goods — we’re here to help you prepare.
From 19 July 2026, the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear will be prohibited in the EU.
This marks a significant shift for retailers. Products that were previously written off or disposed of must now be managed through compliant, circular routes.
ReBound helps retailers prepare for this change by enabling scalable, compliant alternatives.
What is ESPR?
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is an EU-wide framework that sets eco-design requirements for sustainable products.
It includes four key pillars:
- A ban on the destruction of unsold consumer goods
- Digital Product Passports (DPP)
- Green public procurement criteria
The ban on the destruction of unsold goods
From 19 July 2026, it is prohibited to destroy unsold consumer products listed in Annex VII, which currently covers:
- Apparel and clothing accessories
- Footwear
For retailers, this regulation changes how returns, overstock and unsold inventory must be handled.
Items that cannot be sold through primary channels can no longer be written off. Instead, they must be assessed and routed through appropriate circular pathways.
This increases the need for:
- Clear decision-making processes
- Access to alternative product routes
- The ability to evidence outcomes
- Large enterprises: from July 2026
- Medium enterprises: from July 2030
- Small/micro enterprises: currently exempt
Destruction may be permitted in limited cases, such as:
- Safety or legal compliance issues
- Damage or contamination
- No viable reuse, resale or donation route
Decisions must be justified and evidenced.
Under ESPR, “Destruction” refers to:
- Recycling
- Energy recovery
- Disposal
These represent the bottom three levels of the waste hierarchy and should only be used as a last resort.
How ReBound helps retailers comply
ReBound enables retailers to move unsold goods, returns and take-back items into compliant circular routes.
Instead of destruction, every product is assessed and directed to the most appropriate outcome.
Each product is sorted and routed based on its condition, value and compliance requirements.
This ensures:
- Products are kept in use wherever possible
- Circular routes such as resale, repair and donation are prioritised
- Destruction is avoided unless absolutely necessary
Manage all product flows
ReBound supports multiple product streams, including:
- Customer returns
- Overstock and unsold inventory
- Take-back programmes
- Faulty production and warranty claims
Creating a consistent and compliant approach across the full product lifecycle.
Learn more about our circularity network here.
Support compliance and reporting
ReBound helps retailers demonstrate compliance with ESPR through improved visibility and reporting.
- Track product outcomes
- Support audit requirements
- Enable ESG and sustainability reporting
Extend circularity beyond returns
ReBound’s circularity portal gives your customers a simple, flexible way to send pre-loved clothing to the most appropriate destination.
By connecting customers directly into circular pathways, retailers can extend product life beyond traditional returns.
Customers can choose to send items to:
- Charity, supporting social impact and reuse
- Recycling, where items can no longer be worn
- Back to the retailer, for further processing or resale
This creates a seamless customer experience while helping retailers drive measurable circular outcomes and support their sustainability goals.
