The Greenwashing Directive prohibits any marketing claims, labels, messaging, activities or otherwise, that speak to the environmental impact of a product on the European market, without verified by a certified independent third-party. Claims such as“eco-friendly,” “green”, “conscious,” “sustainable,” “energy efficient,”“carbon neutral,” etc., will not be allowed to be used without verifiable evidence certified by a third party, or an established public authority. This law aims to make environmental claims about a product reliable, comparable and verifiable across the EU.

The US Fabric Act aims to make the United States a leader in responsible apparel production by introducing new workplace protections and manufacturing incentives, increasing transparency in brand’s supply chains to ensure all workers are paid and treated fairly. The legislation will require brands and manufacturers to ensure all workers are paid a minimum wage throughout their supply chain and eliminate wage theft in US factories.

On March 6, 2024, a bipartisan and bicameral group of members of Congress introduced the “Americas Trade and Investment Act” or “Americas Act” (S.3878/H.R.7571). The Americas Act aims to incentivize US circular businesses and textile manufacturing, revitalizing the local apparel industry in the US. As reuse and recycling businesses continue building in the US, the act will help support these businesses and foster growth in both producing and recycling apparel in the US.

Put into force in late 2023, French residents are given the right to repair their clothing and shoes at a discount to them with a “bonus,” to incentivize French consumers to extend the life of their products that otherwise may be broken instead of throwing them away. Brands are required to make it accessible for French consumers to repair their garments, either through them or by making information available about repairs to their customers.

This French act of law contains about 50 measures providing for: new obligations with the creation of new producer responsibility sectors to include new product families in the circular economy.

On 23 February 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. On 24 May 2024 the Council of the European Union approved the political agreement, thereby completing the adoption process. The aim of this Directive is to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour in companies’ operations and across their global value chains. The new rules will ensure that companies in scope identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their actions inside and outside Europe.

A digital product passport will be required for all textile products coming on the EU market by 2027. The DPP is an individual tool and information system connected to a data carrier, like a QR code, attached to the product, containing product-specific data, including information on the manufacturing process throughout a product’s supply chain and environmental impact that is accessible and reliable for all stakeholders.

The EU's Extended Producer Responsibility forces brands and manufacturers to take responsibility for their products at the end of their life, when their consumers are finished using them. Brands are held accountable for the full lifecycle of their products, encouraging them to design products for ease of repair, disassembly and recycling. Brands must ensure their products are reused or recycled, rather than going to waste or incineration.

THe Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation is set to improve textile product's sustainabiltity and circularity throughout the entire value chain, with a set of regulations. The ESPR introduces new measures: Digital Product Passport (DPP): A digital identity storing relevant information to support products’ sustainability, promote their circularity, and strengthen legal compliance. Information in the DPP, identified by the Commission in consultation with stakeholders, can include product performance, materials, repair activities, recycling capabilities, and lifecycle impacts. - Rules to address the destruction of unsold consumer products - Green Public Procurement