CHARMING INSIGHTS

Four decades ago, the European Union passed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation, requiring textile manufacturers to take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products — not just the production and distribution.

In a groundbreaking move, the United States has taken a serious step toward sustainability with the launch of the Slow Fashion Caucus. This first-ever congressional effort, led by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) alongside Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), was unveiled in July to address pollution and exploitation plaguing the fast fashion industry. 

As we’ve written about before, the European Union’s (EU) movement toward Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandates is a transformative initiative set to revolutionize supply chains worldwide. 

As buyers grow more climate-aware, and as the global need for sustainability in manufacturing grows, the Securities & Exchange Commission has finally adopted a set of rules on climate-related disclosures. To protect consumers, investors, and the planet, businesses will now need to disclose important information about climate-related risks and beyond. 

In recent years, campaigns and pledges to save the planet have been popping up everywhere. But, like any new initiative — they have their flaws. While many of these rules and regulations have good intentions, they often end up as surface-level marketing gestures, organic-looking packaging, and labels that boast sustainability but have no real meaning.