Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
> Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Yes.
EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
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Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#12Is this a problem in the EU? I often think in terms of home remodels that a family might do at least once. Those can easily fill a dumpster with tons of garbage. That's much more waste than a family could ever generate directly or indirectly in clothing.
> I often think in terms of home remodels that a family might do at least once
Very interesting point of view, as someone who never done a home remodel, it surely brought a new perspective for me.
> That's much more waste than a family could ever generate directly or indirectly in clothing.
I'm not sure, if you have two kids who are into trendy clothing and you're able to let them make choices around clothing, then I can imagine that there is quite high turnover on those things.
Besides, the proposed rules seems to try to address waste generated by businesses rather than individuals or families. I guess currently they throw outdated clothing in order to make space for the new clothing lines?
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#13Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Yes, clothing companies and stores will very commonly destroy clothes if they determine that selling at a discount would undermine the brand value. They do things like cutting holes in the soles of shoes before discarding them.
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#14Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Some stuff you basically have to give away for people to buy, some stuff just isn't so attractive to most people. With limited store space, you could miss out on profits if you don't update what you have available. Every item you carry is another item you cannot fit to carry.
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#15Is this a problem in the EU? I often think in terms of home remodels that a family might do at least once. Those can easily fill a dumpster with tons of garbage. That's much more waste than a family could ever generate directly or indirectly in clothing.
It's companies dumping unsold ranges of clothes as new ranges come in. Not people.
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#16Is this a problem in the EU? I often think in terms of home remodels that a family might do at least once. Those can easily fill a dumpster with tons of garbage. That's much more waste than a family could ever generate directly or indirectly in clothing.
This is about businesses, not families.
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#17Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Particularly for “luxury” brands as selling at a discount devalues the brand. I use quotes because most of those brands sell cheap stuff (double digit manufacturing cost using forced labor [0]) but with a fancy logo making them worth 4 figures.
[0] Better link: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/jul/24/made-in-ital...
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#18Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Selling cheaper cannibalizes next season's fashion.
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#19Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Yes, clothing companies and stores will very commonly destroy clothes if they determine that selling at a discount would undermine the brand value. They do things like cutting holes in the soles of shoes before discarding them.
> The works of the roots of the vines, of the trees, must be destroyed to keep up the price, and this is the saddest, bitterest thing of all. Carloads of oranges dumped on the ground. The people came for miles to take the fruit, but this could not be. How would they buy oranges at twenty cents a dozen if they could drive out and pick them up? And men with hoses squirt kerosene on the oranges, and they are angry at the crime, angry at the people who have come to take the fruit. A million people hungry, needing the fruit- and kerosene sprayed over the golden mountains. And the smell of rot fills the country. Burn coffee for fuel in the ships. Burn corn to keep warm, it makes a hot fire. Dump potatoes in the rivers and place guards along the banks to keep the hungry people from fishing them out. Slaughter the pigs and bury them, and let the putrescence drip down into the earth.
John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
Re: EU ban on destruction of unsold clothes and shoes enters into application
#20Why would this ever happen? Is it cheaper to destroy than sell at discount?
Luxury brands don't want the poors to be seen wearing their merchandise.
It hurts brand perception.