France Passes Legislation to Penalize Rapid Fashion Industry
The French lower house of parliament has passed a new bill that imposes fines of up to 10 euros ($11) per item on ultra-fast fashion items sold by popular brands such as Shein, aiming to regulate the fast fashion industry.
France’s lower house of parliament passed a bill on Thursday to impose penalties on ultra-fast fashion products, such as those from Shein in China, in order to address their ****environmental impact. The bill includes plans to raise fines up to 10 euros ($11) per piece of clothing by 2030 and to prohibit advertising for these products.
Lawmakers unanimously voted in favor of the bill, which will now move on to the senate for further approval before it can officially become a law.
The retail industry has been shaken up by the rising popularity of fashion brands Shein and Temu. These brands have been able to quickly adjust their orders based on demand, thanks to their highly flexible supply chains. In contrast, traditional players like Zara and H&M still heavily rely on trying to predict what shoppers will prefer.
"This shift in the clothing industry towards fast fashion, with more products at lower prices, is impacting how consumers shop. It encourages impulse buys and a desire for constant updates, but this trend has negative effects on the environment, society, and economy," the statement highlighted.
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Shein mentioned to Reuters that their clothing is made to meet the demand, resulting in only a small percentage of unsold items. This is in stark contrast to traditional retailers who may have up to 40% of their products go unsold.
The bill was criticized for potentially making it harder for French consumers to afford things, especially during a time when the cost of living is already high.
On the other hand, France's environment minister, Christophe Béchu, praised the bill as a positive move towards reducing the ****environmental impact of the textile industry.
Workers make clothes at a garment factory that supplies Shein in China's southern Guangdong province in July 2022.
The French environmental ministry plans to propose a ban on exporting used clothes within the European Union to address the growing issue of textile waste. This initiative coincides with the introduction of a new bill. Jade Gao/AFP/Getty Images
Last year, the country introduced a program to promote repairing old clothes and shoes instead of discarding them. The French government allocated 154 million euros ($168 million) to the initiative, which gives back up to 25 euros ($27.20) to customers for each item they get fixed. Refashion, a non-profit organization in charge of the project, reported that 3.3 billion pieces of clothing, household textiles, and footwear were sold in France in 2022.
The ministry of ecology in France revealed that citizens throw away 700,000 tons of clothing annually, with two-thirds of it ending up in landfills.
Photo illustration/Tom Stoddart/Getty Images/Shutterstock
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Shopping for clothes responsibly is important because the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. According to McKinsey's State of Fashion report, fashion accounts for between 3% and 5% of global carbon emissions. Additionally, around half of all fibers produced by the industry are forms of oil-based polyester.
Editor's P/S:
The proposed legislation in France to combat the ****environmental impact of ultra-fast fashion is a significant step towards addressing the unsustainable practices in the industry. By imposing penalties and restricting advertising, the government aims to discourage excessive consumption and waste. This is especially crucial given the alarming statistics on textile waste in France and the industry's substantial carbon emissions.
However, it is essential to consider the potential implications of such measures on consumers and businesses. While reducing the affordability of fast fashion products may incentivize more sustainable practices, it could disproportionately impact low-income households. Additionally, the ban on exporting used clothes within the European Union may have unintended consequences, as it limits options for reusing and recycling textiles. Therefore, a balanced approach that promotes sustainable consumption without creating undue hardships for consumers or businesses is imperative. Furthermore, international cooperation is essential to address the global issue of textile waste and promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
