Envision buying a dress today, wearing it just once, and discovering it in a bin the next day. This exemplifies the harsh reality of fast fashion. Consumers are keen to engage with trends daily, striving to remain current and stylish, thus perpetuating the cycle of fast fashion.
Fast fashion enables retailers to respond to market trends at a pace far quicker than their traditional counterparts. Individuals often feel compelled to keep their wardrobes filled with an abundance of inexpensive clothing rapidly produced by mass-market retailers. The fashion industry is swiftly emerging as a global business sector, estimated to be worth $1.7 trillion from 2000 to 2040. Clothing production has doubled, and the number of garments purchased has surged by 60%. This dramatic increase is primarily attributed to fast fashion.
We generate 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, and projections suggest that by 2030, this figure could increase to 134 million tonnes globally unless significant changes take place within the industry.
The primary reason for the overproduction of our stock and consumption in the industry is the tendency to produce more fabric at a lower price in response to market demand. If we can match the density of existing products, the industry discovers a cost-effective method to produce cloth, utilising it two, three, or even four times before disposing of it without consideration for its fate. This cycle perpetuates waste, resulting in products that are created but not sufficiently consumed by the public.
The rapid changes in fashion trends have become a significant obstacle for individuals aiming to develop their skills in fashion. As we progress, it is essential to explore practical frameworks that tackle the challenges of fast fashion and steer our nation towards a sustainable fashion model.
The fashion capital of the U.S., New York (New York Bill, 2022), has established the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act. This legislation mandates that relevant companies perform environmental due diligence in accordance with the guidance provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for Multinational Enterprises. In response to challenges within the supply chain, the Act requires fashion companies to comply with environmental regulations through mandatory reporting. This requirement specifically applies to apparel and footwear companies.
Fashion retailers are required to submit a comprehensive due diligence report that includes the maintenance of ethical standards to ensure transparency. Additionally, these reports must be publicly accessible.
The next law pertains to the French Anti-Waste Law (2020), part of an overarching Circular Economic Strategy. They are progressing with legislative initiatives aimed at reducing the waste generated by the fast fashion industry. Lawmakers are also implementing stricter sustainability standards regarding clothing, addressing the growing issues associated with unnecessary waste. This includes the disposal of unsold hygienic beauty and fashion products, which are often discarded or released into the ocean in significant quantities. The French government is taking more initiative to encourage reuse and recycling, as well as support charitable organisations.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guide, first introduced in 1992 and most recently updated in 2012, outlines essential principles designed to prevent deceptive or unfair environmental marketing practices as stipulated under Section 5 of the FTC Act. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues and seek greater transparency from the brands they support, this guide has become even more vital. It serves as a touchstone for ethical marketing in a marketplace where sustainability is a central concern.
In tandem with these guidelines, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, also known as SB 707, marks a historic step for California by establishing the state’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling programme. This pioneering legislation creates a robust framework for managing textile waste and promoting recycling. Under this act, textile producers are required to form and join a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), which will be responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of textile products. This includes not only the collection and safe disposal of materials but also the transportation, repair, recycling, and sorting of textiles. A well-defined programme has been meticulously crafted to ensure effective management of textile waste, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Together, these legislative measures exemplify a commitment to enhancing sustainability and reducing waste within the textile sector while preserving the integrity and intent of the industries involved.
Draft Textile Policy 2020 mandates that all textile markets comply with standards that ensure products are durable, repairable, and largely recyclable. Furthermore, textiles should consist of recycled materials, be free from hazardous substances, and be produced with due regard for social rights and the environment. This policy primarily targets the fast fashion industry, which is being phased out in favour of a model that benefits consumers with high-quality, affordable textiles. The emphasis is on creating garments that offer superior quality and can be reused and repurposed effectively.
Here are some international laws and treaties related to environmental sustainability. Research indicates that the sector was responsible for 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, accounting for approximately 4% of the global total. Under the provisions of the Paris Agreement, it has been established that enhancing the quality of the material mix through increased utilisation of recycled fibres is feasible. Governments and regulatory bodies ought to promote sustainable practices and encourage conscious consumption.
Moreover, Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 emphasises sustainable consumption and production patterns, which are vital for securing the livelihoods of both present and future generations. It is crucial that we reconsider our consumption habits and embark on a transition towards a more sustainable energy supply to promote development.
