By Tanvi Munjal

The fashion industry plays a significant role in our lives, shaping trends and driving consumer demand. However, it also has a substantial impact on the environment and workers’ rights. In recent years, the global push for sustainability has led to the implementation of various laws and regulations to ensure brands and manufacturers operate responsibly. This article explores the sustainability laws in the fashion industry at a global level and examines whether brands are meeting the requirements set forth by manufacturers.

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion, also known as eco-fashion, refers to the collective efforts made by the fashion industry to minimise its negative impact on the environment, prioritise the well-being of garment workers, and uphold animal rights. The concept of sustainability in fashion encompasses various aspects, such as reducing carbon emissions, tackling overproduction, minimising pollution and waste, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring that workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.

Sustainability Laws in Fashion on a Global Level

“Retailers must take responsibility for the social and environmental cost of clothes. They should use their market power to demand higher environmental and labour standards from suppliers. Offering rental schemes, lifetime repair and providing the consumer with more information about the sourcing and true cost of clothing are all measures that can be more widely adopted. Shifting business practice in this way can not only improve a business’ environmental and social impact but also offer market advantage as they respond to the growing consumer demand for responsible, sustainable clothing.”

Environmental Audit Committee of the UK Parliament, “Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability” (Wikipedia)

Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry, and its impact on the environment cannot be ignored. To address this issue, governments and international organisations have introduced sustainability laws to regulate the fashion industry’s practices. These laws aim to reduce waste, promote ethical sourcing of materials, and minimise carbon footprints.

• Environmental Protection Legislation: Governments across the world have implemented environmental protection laws that directly affect the fashion industry. These laws focus on reducing pollution caused by textile production, regulating the use of hazardous chemicals, and promoting responsible waste management.

Ensuring adherence to industry-specific norms, the fashion industry must comply with various laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, the Indian Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules of 1989, and the Ozone Depletion Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules of 2000.

• Supply Chain Transparency: Increasingly, legislation is being introduced to address the lack of transparency in the fashion supply chain. Laws require companies to disclose information about their sourcing practices, including the origin of materials and production methods. This transparency ensures accountability and encourages brands to adopt ethical and sustainable practices.

• Circular Economy Initiatives: Many countries are promoting the adoption of circular economy principles in the fashion industry. These initiatives encourage the reuse, recycling, and upcycling of garments, ensuring that materials have a longer lifespan and reducing the overall environmental impact of the fashion industry.

The main purpose of the French AGEC Law is to encourage the adoption of circular economy approaches, minimise the use of single-use plastics, and improve consumer awareness.

Requirements for Brands and Manufacturers

To comply with sustainability laws and meet consumer demands, brands and manufacturers in the fashion industry must adhere to specific requirements. These requirements cover a range of practices, from sourcing materials responsibly to reducing waste and promoting transparency.

• Responsible Sourcing: Brands and manufacturers need to ensure that their raw materials are sourced ethically and sustainably. This involves using materials and processes that minimise environmental harm, such as organic or recycled fabrics, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport.
• Reducing Waste: The fashion industry is notorious for its waste generation. Brands and manufacturers are now required to implement measures to minimise waste throughout the production process. This can include recycling fabric scraps, reducing packaging, and employing innovative technologies to reduce material waste.
• Supply Chain Transparency: Transparency is becoming increasingly important in building consumer trust. Brands and manufacturers must disclose information about their supply chain, including the origin of materials, production methods, and the working conditions of garment workers. This transparency assures consumers that ethical and sustainable practices are being implemented.
• Adherence to Environmental Regulations: Brands and manufacturers must comply with environmental regulations set by governments and international bodies. This includes using non-toxic dyes and chemicals, ensuring proper waste disposal, and implementing measures to reduce water and energy consumption during production.

Sustainable Fashion Organizations and Companies

The fashion industry has long been associated with fast-paced production, excessive waste, and unethical working conditions. However, a growing number of organisations and companies are leading the way in transforming the industry into a more sustainable and ethical one.

Organisations Promoting Sustainable Fashion

• Fashion Revolution: Founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro, Fashion Revolution is a global movement that campaigns for a systemic reform of the fashion industry. With teams in over 100 countries, they advocate for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.
• Red Carpet Green Dress: Founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, Red Carpet Green Dress is a global initiative that showcases sustainable fashion on the red carpet at the Oscars. With the support of talented individuals like Naomie Harris, Missi Pyle, Kellan Lutz, and Olga Kurylenko, the initiative promotes designer outfits made with ethical and sustainable practices.
• Ecoluxe London: As a not-for-profit organisation, they are committed to supporting eco-sustainable and ethical designers. One of their main initiatives is the biennial exhibition, which takes place during London Fashion Week. Through this event, Ecoluxe London offers a platform for these designers to showcase their work and ideas to a wider audience.

Companies Driving Sustainable Fashion

• Eco Age: A consultancy company specialising in enabling businesses to achieve growth through sustainability. Eco Age promotes sustainable fashion and is known for the Green Carpet Challenge, which encourages ethically made outfits from fashion designers.
• Trans-America Trading Company: One of the largest textile recyclers in the United States, this company processes millions of pounds of post-consumer textiles every year. By recycling textiles into various products such as wiping rags, fibre for upholstery, insulation, and paper, they contribute to reducing waste within the fashion industry.
• ViaJoes: A sustainable clothing manufacturer that produces eco-friendly fabrics from recycled cotton and other sustainable materials. ViaJoes adheres to the Global Organic Textile Standard International Working Group standard, ensuring their products meet rigorous sustainability criteria.

Top Sustainable Fashion Brands

Are you passionate about both fashion and sustainability? If so, you’ll be delighted to discover the top sustainable fashion brands that are making a positive impact on the industry. These brands not only offer stylish and trendy clothing, but also prioritise ethical and sustainable production practices.

• Patagonia
• Tentree
• Outerknown
• Girlfriend Collective
• For Days
• Naadam
• MATE the label
• Pact
• VEJA
• Cotopaxi

Conclusion

Sustainability laws are a driving force for positive change in the world. As brands and manufacturers, it is our responsibility to meet these requirements and contribute to a more sustainable future. By embracing sustainability practices, we not only protect the planet but also ensure the long-term success of our businesses. Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference and create a better world for generations to come.