Instead of discarding stock, companies are encouraged to manage their stock more effectively, handle returns, and explore alternatives such as resale, remanufacturing, donations, or reuse.
The ban on destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear and the derogations will apply to large companies from 19 July 2026. Medium-sized companies are expected to follow in 2030. The rules on disclosure under the ESPR already apply to large companies and will also apply to medium-sized companies in 2030.
But see, if I order 10,000 I get the bulk price of $5 each. If I only order 500 then they will cost the seller $40 each. Of course this effect can be minimized with annual volume commitments where a miss means that you simply pay your supplier the difference.
The reality is that the normal situation will not be a difference as stark as this example, but some form of it exists.
And the decision is always guided by greed and complete disregard for sustainability.