France has launched a new initiative to combat waste and challenge the fast fashion industry. The country plans to subsidize clothing and shoe repairs in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Approximately 700,000 tons of clothing is discarded in France each year, with two-thirds of it ending up in landfills, according to The Guardian.
Under the new project, announced by the Secretary of State for Ecology, Bérangère Couillard, customers will receive discounts ranging from 6 euros ($7) to 25 euros ($28) for clothing and shoe repairs, depending on the complexity of the repair. The aim is to encourage people who have purchased high-quality items to have them repaired rather than disposing of them, as Couillard explained.
The responsibility of setting up this project has been given to Refashion, a group that focuses on managing the end-of-life of clothing textiles and promoting recycling. Their goal is to support brands in adopting eco-design approaches and aid in the development of the recycling industry in France.
To further support the repair sector and create job opportunities, Couillard has invited those proficient in sewing or shoemaking to participate in the initiative.
The project is scheduled to commence in October and will be funded with 154 million euros ($173 million) from the government over the next five years, according to The Guardian.
With the French textile industry projected to contribute about 25% to global greenhouse emissions by 2050, the aim of Refashion is to establish a circular economy for shoes and textiles. This involves extending the lifespan of products, as Couillard expressed her belief in the potential for second-hand usage.
In addition to the repair subsidies, France also plans to introduce new clothing labeling rules in 2024. These rules will require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products, such as water usage, microplastic emissions, and the use of chemicals during production. The labeling will also include information regarding the country of production and the materials used in the item.
By implementing these measures, France aims to tackle the issue of waste generated by the fashion industry and promote sustainability and transparency among clothing brands.
