Lhe fashion and clothing industry has, for several years, been singled out as a sector that is particularly polluting and disrespectful of human rights. French brands and companies are subject to increasingly demanding legislation and standards. A bill aimed at “reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry” enters into discussion in Parliament from Thursday March 14.
A growing number of companies, small and large, are investing in greater traceability, local manufacturing (France and Europe), the recovery of second-hand or used textiles, eco-design, etc. They pay taxes, interact with institutions, play a role in economic and social cohesion, etc.
But today they are faced with unfair competition: that of ultra-fast fashion companies (more than 20% of the market), which too often disregard European environmental and social standards, which destroy jobs and desertify our city centers.
Strengthen vigilance on standards
This is why we support this bill. Unfortunately, it does not provide sufficiently targeted measures and resources commensurate with the crisis facing the French fashion sector and the need to change consumer behavior.
When a product is sold in our territory, it must respect manufacturing standards, traceability of its supply chain, composition, information, intellectual property, etc. Companies that have their headquarters and/or manufacture in France or Europe are subject to controls.
But how do we check compliance with these standards for imports and online sales by companies based outside Europe? There is an urgent need to strengthen controls, particularly when it comes to products purchased online. The law should provide more resources with an intelligent approach, taking into account the specificities relating to the fashion sector.
Among these standards, there is the French duty of vigilance law. This law, adopted in 2017, requires large companies to implement a vigilance plan “to prevent serious attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the health and safety of people and the environment”. This requirement is not accompanied by any sanctions in the event of non-compliance. And the means of evaluation are extremely limited.
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