EU Bans PFHxA, Lawmakers Target Forced Labor, Coach Expands ‘Instant Resale,’ Report Highlights Fashion’s Increasing Synthetic Use
Welcome to Week/End, your quick-hit guide to the week's sustainability news at the intersection of fashion, ethics, sustainability, and business. Stay informed on the key developments driving industry change and shaping a more responsible future.
(Image credit: Coach)
EU Adopts New Restrictions on PFHxA to Protect Health and Environment
The European Commission has implemented new regulations to limit the use of PFHxA, a persistent "forever chemical" commonly found in products like rain jackets, food packaging, and cosmetics.
Coach, Poshmark, and Eon Launch ‘Instant Resale’ for Coachtopia Products
Coach has introduced ‘instant resale’ for its Coachtopia line on Poshmark through a partnership with digital ID provider Eon. This allows Coachtopia owners to list items for resale, similar to setups on platforms like Vestiaire Collective. Eon’s technology automatically populates product details, helping brands track lifecycles and ensuring compliance with upcoming EU regulations on digital IDs for fashion items by 2027.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Block U.S. Support for Forced Labor-Linked Projects
A new bipartisan bill, the No Funds for Forced Labor Act, aims to prevent U.S. support for projects tied to forced labor, particularly in China’s Xinjiang region. It also calls for transparency in risk assessment and requires the Treasury to submit annual reports detailing any involvement in forced labor-linked projects.
Material Innovation Initiative to Close After Five Years of Driving Sustainable Materials Movement
The Material Innovation Initiative (MII), a nonprofit driving the development of sustainable, animal-free materials, is shutting down after five years. The organization, which helped secure over $2 billion in funding for innovators, made the announcement via interim CEO Thomasine Dolan.
Despite the closure, the next-gen materials sector continues to grow, with 141 companies now involved, up from 102 in 2022.
New Report Reveals Fashion Brands Increasing Reliance on Synthetic Materials
A report by the NGO Changing Markets Foundation reveals that many major fashion brands are increasing their reliance on synthetic materials, such as polyester, despite environmental concerns. The report calls for stricter regulations, including a target to reduce synthetic material use by 50% by 2030 and greater support for circularity in fashion.
UK Advertising Watchdog Warns Fashion Brands Over Greenwashing Claims
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has advised 17 fashion brands to review their sustainability marketing practices amid an ongoing crackdown on greenwashing. Following the release of a new compliance guide, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reminded brands that violations could soon result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue under upcoming regulations.
Fair Wear Launches HRDD Academy to Support Industry Compliance
Fair Wear has launched its Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Academy, now available to garment and footwear professionals across the industry. The platform provides resources such as self-paced learning, expert guidance, and practical tools to help brands meet evolving standards in human rights and supply chain responsibility.
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