What are the main 5 regulations to keep an eye on in 2026?
Many changes are coming to the textile and footwear industry in 2026, with regulations driving sustainability, transparency, and compliance. Staying informed on these updates is important for brands looking to be prepared.
- Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
By Q2 2026, it is expected that brands, across industries, to initiate compliance efforts to meet the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The European Comission states August 12th, 2026, as the general application date of PPWR provisions. By this date, NOT ALL requirements are necessary for compliance, as the regulation has a stages approach with goals scattered long-term in the upcoming years.
The overarching goals aim for companies to make a shift in the impact of packaging over the environment, requiring brands to start implementing packaging designed for recyclability, adhere to harmonized labeling standards, and comply with bans on certain single-use packaging items, particularly in e-commerce, just to name a few.
As a brand, key actions include revising packaging to minimize empty space and ensuring materials are recyclable at scale. Additionally, brands must prepare packaging for mandatory conformity assessments and updated labeling requirements, which will include clear disposal instructions and material composition details. However, these harmonized labelling requirements have not been released yet, and the goal is to have them created in the upcoming years.
What to do now? As a brand, it is a good time to audit your current packaging setup, identify elements that need amending, and begin transitioning to new material alternatives and space-saving designs that are in line with the PPWR requirements.
Read more about PPWR on the European Comission’s website, here.
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
For textiles and footwear, 2026 signals the start of preparatory work and new obligations, including increased requirements for product durability, circularity, and measures such as the ban on destroying unsold goods. However, the rollout of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textiles is planned to begin in 2027 with a phased approach. The DPP will eventually require each product to carry accessible, detailed information on materials and lifecycle, supporting traceability and compliance, so using 2026 to initiate this process is a great place to start.
Read more about it on the European Commission’s website, here.
- PFAS Restrictions in Key Markets
From January 2026, France has banned the manufacture, use, and sale of PFAS in consumer products, including textiles. Additionally, Denmark will prohibit the import or sale of PFAS-containing clothing and footwear for private consumer use starting in July 2026. All of this wth few exceptions, for safety textiles in the Category III (PPE – Personal Protective Equipment). Brands should monitor evolving requirements by country and ensure sourcing of safer alternatives to comply and maintain performance standards. Check out an overview of the PFAS regulations here.
Read more about PFAS ban in France here.
Read more about the PFAS ban in Denmark here.
- EU Ban on Destruction of Unsold Goods
Starting with July 19th, 2026, under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), large enterprises will be prohibited from destroying unsold textiles and footwear. Medium-sized companies are in line to prepare by July 19th, 2030. This measure covers clothing, shoes, and related accessories, with the goal of minimizing unnecessary waste and promoting resource efficiency within the fashion industry. Instead of disposal, companies are now expected to implement practices such as resale, donation, reuse, repair, and recycling to extend product lifespans and align with the EU’s circular economy objectives. This regulatory change is designed to drive both transparency and sustainable business models, pushing brands to rethink inventory and end-of-life management. This regulation encourages brands to adopt circular business strategies, like resale, recycling, and improved inventory management.
Read more about it and the items covered by the requirement in Annex VII here.
- A Note on the Textile Labeling Regulation (TLR)
The revised TLR will introduce updated labeling rules to support digital transparency and sustainability. The updates, originally scheduled for Q4 of 2025 are now postponed for Q2 2026. Brands should monitor these developments for continued compliance. Trimco Group will try to keep an eye on any new changes and update when publicly available. Check the update here.
- ADDITIONAL | EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective December 30, 2026, for large and medium operators, and June 30, 2027, for micro and small operators, ensures goods on the EU market are free from links to deforestation. It introduces streamlined obligations, including simplified declarations for small operators and reduced data requirements for traders. Textile and footwear brands should act now by mapping supply chains, verifying raw material origins, and preparing for due diligence requirements. Proactive compliance will secure market access and demonstrate sustainability leadership. Read more about it at the European Comission’s website here.
Prepare for 2026 by partnering with Trimco Group - your trusted labeling partner. Contact us to explore more details.