What is the ESPR?
The ESPR is part of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. It aims to make products more durable, repairable and easier to recycle. The most important aspect for fashion brands is the ban on destruction. The aim is to break the fast fashion cycle and keep resources in circulation.
In addition, the ESPR introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This is expected to come into force in 2027 or 2028. Every item of clothing will be given a digital identity (e.g. via a QR code) that stores information on material origin, repairability and recyclability. This is intended to create transparency for consumers and facilitate refurbishment or reprocessing. As a result, clothing, shoes and accessories should be able to be used for longer. This would reduce their resource consumption and ecological footprint.
Who is affected and when?
• Large enterprises: 250 or more employees and annual turnover > €50 million or balance sheet total > €43 million à ban on destruction from 19 July 2026.
• Medium-sized enterprises (50–249 employees): Will be granted a transition period of 6 years. Ban on destruction from 19 July 2030.
• Small enterprises (10–49 employees) & micro-enterprises (< 10 employees): Are permanently exempt from the ban on destruction, but should also prepare themselves due to market dynamics and changing customer expectations.
How to prepare as effectively as possible
The ESPR comes into force in a few months. Time is of the essence. An experienced service provider in the circular economy sector can offer both advisory and operational support as a strategic partner. This applies whether you are a manufacturer producing textiles, clothing, footwear or accessories, or a retailer placing them on the market. Ideally, this service provider will not only have experience but also the end-to-end process knowledge to deliver a cost-effective solution based on established standards.
With &flow, Meyer & Meyer offers a standardised and rapid onboarding process. The go-live takes place within a few weeks and without any investment risk on your part – if required, as a simple trial run with just a few items or products. You benefit from services that enable you to fully comply with the new regulations.
Preserving the value of textiles instead of disposal
The best and most sustainable approach to returns and used products: ESPR requirements are met, turnover grows and you tap into new customer groups. In addition, &flow can, if desired, bring your deadstock or potential surpluses to market in the first place – you generate turnover, and your warehouse space is freed up for new stock.
Meyer & Meyer, in collaboration with the WKS Competence Centre, offers a comprehensive service package for textile value retention. From buy-back and storage through professional reconditioning to preparation for resale and integration into shop systems, the experts handle all necessary steps. You can focus on your products and their marketing.
Transparent inventory management
For compliance and security, you must be able to demonstrate annually which stock has remained unsold and where it is located. Data-driven logistics processes are the key to success: modern warehouse management systems (WMS) seamlessly record every goods receipt, every order picking operation and every goods issue. A live dashboard provides you with all relevant data in real time – for maximum transparency and full control over your stock.
Conclusion: Act now instead of waiting
Through targeted repairs, returns management and reconditioning, we work with WKS to ensure an optimal recycling hierarchy. Components that cannot be reused are channelled through our partners into meaningful upcycling, downcycling or donation programmes. Book your no-obligation expert consultation now!