The New York State legislature has unveiled a new fashion sustainability act, in an effort to tackle the environmental impact of fashion brands. If legislation is passed for the bill, brands will be required to disclose their companies environmental and climate impacts. This will include at least 50% of each brands supply chain, as well as farming, raw materials and shipping.
Reporting of social impacts will also be a requirement, with brands disclosing information about labour wages, levels of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and waste management. If desired, the public will be able to view this information.
It is hoped this will help fashion brands to be more conscious and aware of their environmental impacts, and to take further measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Failure to comply will result in a fine of up to 2% of annual revenues for companies turning over more than $450 million a year, where the money will then be donated to environmental funds and justice projects.
“As a global fashion and business capital of the world, New York State has a moral responsibility to serve as a leader in mitigating the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry,” State Senator Biaggi wrote in a press release. She adds that the law is “a ground-breaking piece of legislation that will make New York the global leader” in holding the fashion industry “accountable”, as well as ensuring that “labour, human rights, and environmental protections are prioritised.”