As France becomes the first European country to adopt an “anti-ultra fast fashion” law, it is now up to the European Union to tackle a transformation of the sector. Since July 19, large textile companies, except in special cases, can no longer destroy their unsold items. This measure is only the first stone in a European framework that governs the entire life cycle.. Analysis with the European Consumer Center France.
To make fashion more sustainable, the EU regulates the design of products sold on its market. Since 2024, a European regulation sets a framework for “ecodesign” of products, including textiles. A deployment is underway, with new requirements for each product category.
The future clothes we wear will need to be designed to last longer and be easier to repair, to maintain, to reuse or recycle. Manufacturers are responsible for using more recycled materials and reducing the environmental impact of their items throughout their life cycle !
Other novelty : a digital passport, accessible via a QR code on the garment. From 2027, this passport will provide transparency of the garment on its composition, the origin of the materials, its durability, and its end-of-life options.
The second life of unsold items
If clothes, new shoes and accessories do not find buyers, their destruction becomes a measure of last resort and no longer an automatism. Since July 19, large textile companies must favor other solutions for their unsold items. The rule : re-use, don, reconditioning, or recycling. Only a few cases still allow unsold items to be destroyed. A security risk, damage to the item or technical reasons may justify its not being put back on the market. By being encouraged to favor other avenues, brands are more likely to sell off their stock via promotions, sales, or resales to other businesses. Which should fuel the second-hand and clearance supply, generally offered at a lower price.
Buy differently without giving up your rights
If you buy a pair of shoes in the “second hand” corner of your usual store or on private sale on your phone, you benefit from rights in Europe. The regulations protect almost as well as if you had purchased first hand. As long as the seller is a professional and not an individual, any item purchased is guaranteed in France for at least two years. Be careful though : in some countries and for second-hand items, the legal guarantee of conformity can be reduced to one year . It protects you in the event of a manufacturing or conformity defect. If you order online, please note that you also have a right of withdrawal. It doesn't matter if the item is new, pay, second hand, or destocked : if it doesn't suit you, you can return it to the seller within 14 days of delivery.
