9 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion This August
In this month’s round up of the sustainable fashion news to know, a new report highlights luxury consumers’ retreat from fur, Sweden plans to ban PFAS in clothes, and the new regulations that have come into force in France and Europe.
Sweden Plans to Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Clothing (Le Monde)
Sweden has announced it will ban harmful PFAS (also known as forever chemicals) in clothing, shoes, kitchenware, cosmetics, and other products from 2028. In a statement, Environment and Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari said the chemicals have “no place in clothing, cosmetics, cookware and other everyday products when effective alternatives exist.”
Fashion Brands Using Fur and Wild Animal Skins Seen As ‘Less Luxurious’ By Wealthiest Consumers (Collective Fashion Justice)
A new report from Collective Fashion Justice that surveyed ultra-high net worth (UHNW) and high net worth (HNW) luxury consumers in London, Paris, and New York, found 95% of respondents believe the use of wild animal skins and fur makes fashion brands less luxurious. “It is clear that valuable luxury consumers view the use of wild animal materials in a way that is damaging to overall brand perception,” the organisation says.
How Wage ‘Compliance’ is Failing Workers in Pakistan (Labour Behind The Label)
The latest investigation from Labour Behind The Label shows that the systems auditors rely on to detect labour violations in Pakistan’s supply chains are failing to hear workers. The report describes numerous failings such as testimony from workers being excluded from audits, and suppliers manipulating evidence and threatening workers.
The Climate Case Against Leather (Vox)
New meta-analysis by ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering reveals that cow leather’s carbon footprint could be 70 percent larger than previous estimates. For Vox, Marina Bolotnikova looks at why earlier estimates were so low, what goes into estimating a carbon footprint for a co-product, and what the alternatives could be.
Anti-fast-fashion Law Finally Passes in France (Fashion Network)
France’s long-awaited anti-fast-fashion law finally passed in France at the end of June, and while some have welcomed the legislation, others have criticised its final state, having been “watered down” by lobbyists, according to Fashion Network. For instance, the law targets SHEIN and Temu but spares European fast fashion companies like Zara.
Italian Police Conduct Raids on Several Luxury Brands in Labour Abuse Probe (Euro News)
Euro News reports the latest in Milan prosecutors’ investigation into labour exploitation in luxury supply chains, with Italian police raiding several brands’ offices including Chanel, Bulgari. It’s alleged that subcontracted suppliers to some of Italy’s biggest luxury brands have employed Chinese workers in exploitative conditions.
Can the EU Ban on Destroying Unsold Goods Actually Work? (Business of Fashion)
The European Union’s ban on the destruction of unsold goods came into force in July, and Shayeza Walid has taken the temperature of the industry around it. While many welcome it and see it as a positive first step, some critics note that the ban’s guidelines—including exempting products with logos, trademarks or recognisable designs that can’t be removed without damaging the product—will not go far enough to target the luxury goods sector, while other aspects may push more excess stock to be sent to secondhand markets around the world.
What Could Better Brand-Supplier Relationships Look Like? (Vogue Business)
For Vogue Business, Sophie Benson examines some of the challenges faced by manufacturers when working with brands on sustainability issues—notably the administrative, operational, and financial burdens placed by initiatives that don’t always fit a supplier’s way of working. Benson speaks to those working on better methods of collaboration, including manufacturer-led programmes and consulting with suppliers earlier in the process.
‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news
Every month we publish news and product highlights from highly rated brands that have been assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Using our codes and links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.
Mighty Good Basics Partners With Project Down Under For Underwear Recycling
Mighty Good Basics has launched an initiative to reduce the amount of underwear waste that ends up in landfill by partnering with Project Down Under recycling program. Mighty Good Basics will encourage customers to donate their old undies by offering prepaid postal collection in exchange for a 10% discount on future purchases. The discarded items will be repurposed for materials like insulation.
The post 9 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion This August appeared first on Good On You.