Study on the destruction of unsold products

Valentina Romagnoli, Thomas Berlinghof, Alexej Parchomenko, Jakob Weissenbacher, Letizia Fratini, Viviana López Hernández, Yifaat Baron, Hannah Lorösch, Katja Moch, Kathrin Graulich, Astrid Stalmans, Lise Asscherickx, Tom Duhoux, Miguel Gama Caldas () and Vincenzo Senatore ()
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Miguel Gama Caldas: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Vincenzo Senatore: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

No JRC143466, JRC Research Reports from Joint Research Centre

Abstract: The destruction of unsold consumer products causes avoidable environmental harm and results in the loss of economic and material value. In sectors such as textiles, where approximately 21% of goods placed on the market may remain unsold, up to half of these are ultimately destroyed—often through recycling, incineration or landfilling. This study was commissioned by the European Commission to support the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), in particular Articles 24 and 25, which establish new transparency obligations and enable a ban on the destruction of certain unsold goods. A disclosure format based on Combined Nomenclature codes was developed to ensure standardised, verifiable reporting by economic operators. In parallel, an environmental impact assessment framework enables life cycle-based analysis of unsold goods destruction, and a methodological tool supports the assessment of the net benefit of a ban, incorporating economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Together, these tools provide a practical foundation for proportionate, evidence-based regulatory action and reinforce EU efforts to reduce waste and advance circular economy goals.

Date: 2026-01
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