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In the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends change as quickly as the seasons, there’s are new style emerging-one that’s not just about what you wear, but how it got there. As an executive in the fashion industry, the daily struggle with apparel sustainability is real. Yet, in a recent candid conversation among like-minded individuals, we faced a reality check: none of us could fully answer questions about the ethical and sustainable aspects of our own clothes, Could 2024 be the year we change that narrative?
Imagine being able to read a fashion label as effortlessly as a food label. What if this information were standardized, revealing the carbon footprint, the fair wages of makers, and the percentage of recycled materials used? It’s not just wishful thinking; a convergence in consumer demand for transparent information is coinciding with the era of the fashion industry’s self-regulation on sustainability drawing to a close globally.
In the EU alone, 16 pieces of legislation related to fashion and textiles were under discussion in late 2023, with the first set to come into force in 2024. These regulations cover the entire fashion value chain, from product design to labeling and marketing, promising widespread impact on consumers and companies worldwide.
The EU’s textile vision, encapsulated in the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, marks a pivotal moment. It envisions an industry defined by products made with respect for the environment and social rights. Digital product labels with supply chain transparency, ecological design practices and circularity requirements are on the horizon.
Closer to home, the New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act aims to hold major brands accountable for ESG impacts, while the Fabric Act seeks to protect US garment workers. The message is clear: self-regulation of sustainability may no longer be an option.
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As the regulatory landscape evolves, fashion brands must seize the grace period to get ahead. Building regulatory competence is a critical task for C-suite executives. Knowledge, alignment with regulatory programs, and identifying the tools for change are essential steps.
Your wardrobe choices are about to become more than just fashion statements – they’re statements about accountability, responsibility and a sustainable future. Welcome to the fashion revolution of 2024!
This article is contributed by Jaclyn Noble. Every week ESG News delivers smart commentary from ESG practitioners and experts to unpack issues of the day. Submit a Sustainable Travel Article: editor@esgnews.com