THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION

By Emily Cai [Contributing Writer, Footwear Materials Specialist at On Running]

November 21, 2022

The past decade has seen an uptick in legislation regulating fashion manufacturing. These bills address the industry’s social and environmental concerns — reshoring production, increasing garment worker wages, and creating supply chain accountability. This proposed legislation is vitally important because while grassroots advocacy for change is important, government intervention will ultimately create the most widespread change. Below, Bucha Bio explores why government action is needed and how the current wave of bills and laws will change the fashion industry of the future.

Why is federal and global oversight needed?

The fashion industry is highly unregulated due to its complex and global supply chains. A garment designed in the United States can have raw materials grown in India, be woven into fabric in Taiwan, sewn together in Vietnam, and then distributed worldwide. The supply chains get even more convoluted if a product contains many different raw materials.

Global oversight is challenging, given differing regulations. Brands have historically shied away from taking responsibility for the manufacturing malpractices of their outsourced factories. These include dangerous working conditions, unfair wages, and mistreatment of workers. For those brands that do choose to pursue responsible manufacturing practices of their own volition, they are at a financial disadvantage in the eyes of consumers. The current systems in place incentivize ignoring overproduction and underpaying workers. Creating legislation mandating sustainable practices evens the playing field for those wishing to see positive industry change.

Previous attempts at regulating the fashion industry

Recent legislative efforts

The New York bill builds atop the framework of the California bill by including penalties for noncompliance. However, it continues to enforce reporting and disclosure rather than outcomes.

The beginnings of a more regulated industry

While the increased focus on regulating the fashion industry is promising, transparency and disclosure are only the first steps. Requiring brands to disclose information continues to place the burden of research on the consumer. Ultimately, brands and suppliers, not consumers, should be the ones responsible for the sustainability of their supply chain. Brands should be rewarded for making progress in the outcomes of their efforts, not simply for the efforts themselves.

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