An important and first-of-its-kind bill, Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, has been introduced in the New York State Legislation. If this bill is passed, it will significantly impact the fashion industry. New York’s fashion act requires “fashion retail sellers and manufacturers to disclose environmental and social due diligence policies,” making the fashion industry accountable, which is one of the least regulated industries.
More specifically, all brands will need to map 50 percent of the supply chain “across all tiers of production, from raw materials to final product.” Assembly Bill A8352 was unveiled by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblywoman Anna R. Kelles. It has been backed by a powerful alliance of nonprofits focused on fashion and sustainability, including the New Standard Institute, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, along with fashion designer Stella McCartney.
Image: Knock Fashion
The law will be applicable to global apparel and footwear manufacturing companies, with over $100 million in revenues, operating in New York. This includes almost every multinational fashion name, ranging from high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Armani and Prada to fast fashion names such as Shein and Boohoo. If any fashion brands violate the law, they could be charged up to 2 percent of their revenue.
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As per environmental advocates and experts, this is a huge step and could be a concrete approach forward for making fashion more ethical and sustainable. Fashion brands will need to ensure that standards are upheld where clothing is manufactured and where the materials are sourced. The state legislature will likely bring the bill to a vote after budget negotiations which will take place in late spring.
Senator Biaggi said that they are hopeful it will become law as they have plenty of support. While there hasn’t been any response from brands, it is likely to see some opposition in the near future. But if this bill shapes into law, it will be a historical step in the fashion industry that could pave the way toward a greener and more sustainable industry.
Via: Apparel Resources