In a major step toward promoting ESG principles and a carbon neutral strategy, the French Senate has unanimously passed legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry. The bill, introduced by MP Anne-Cécile Violland and backed across party lines, seeks to combat the unsustainable overproduction and overconsumption of clothing, which contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the combined emissions from international aviation and maritime shipping. 

The proposed law introduces several significant measures: 

• Mandatory environmental impact disclosures for clothing. 

• Advertising bans fast fashion products and brands. 

• Eco-contribution fees scaled by product sustainability to discourage wasteful manufacturing. 

• Legal definitions of fast fashion to ensure regulatory clarity. 

• Incentives for clothing repair and reuse, promoting circular economy practices. 

According to Senate figures, France now sells over 3.3 billion clothing items annually, equivalent to 48 items per person, reflecting a sharp rise in fast fashion consumption over the past decade. 

The bill builds momentum from the National Assembly, which approved an earlier version in March 2024. A joint committee of deputies and senators will now work to reconcile the two versions. 

This legislative push aligns with broader ESG objectives across the European Union. Last year, the European Parliament backed regulations requiring fashion companies to fund the collection and recycling of clothing and footwear, further embedding sustainability into the fashion sector’s value chain. 

By targeting environmental harm in textiles, France reinforces its leadership in sustainable policy, strengthening its carbon neutral strategy and offering a model for other countries confronting the environmental toll of fast fashion. 

Source: 

https://www.esgtoday.com/french-senate-backs-law-curbing-environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion/