Accepting the demands of several Italian parliamentarians, the European Union will ban the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories and footwear. This is one of the points covered by the agreement reached by the EU institutions on the eco-friendly design of products. The ban on destruction of unsold items will not affect small and micro enterprises, while medium-sized enterprises will benefit from a six-year exemption. The rule, moreover, could prelude a future decision by the European Commission to apply the measure on other product categories as well. The eco-design regulation, in fact, covers almost all categories of goods, from household appliances to windows to car chargers, establishing a regulatory framework to make them more efficient but also more durable and reusable. Also on the package's horizon is the introduction of a "digital passport" that will provide information on the environmental sustainability and traceability of products. As for the penalties envisaged, the agreement establishes the criteria but national authorities will determine and enforce them. "It's time to end the 'take, produce, dispose' model that is so detrimental to our planet, our health and our economy," explains PD MEP Alessandra Moretti, - Sustainable products will become the norm, enabling consumers to save energy, repair and make environmentally smart choices when shopping. Banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear will also contribute to a change in the way fast fashion manufacturers produce their goods".
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