Global Sustainability Regulations Reshaping the Fashion Industry in 2025​

WORDS BY Sophia Al-khayat
14 Apr 2025
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Threads | Global Sustainability Regulations Reshaping Fashion | Save Your Wardrobe
As of 2025, the fashion industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by new sustainability regulations across Europe and North America. From the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation in the EU to California's Climate Accountability Package. These policies aim to address environmental concerns, promote circularity, and enhance transparency within the sector.

Leading the Charge: European Union

1. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

The ESPR mandates that products, including textiles, are designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability. It also prohibits the destruction of unsold clothing, encouraging brands to adopt circular business models.

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Effective from January 1, 2025, the EPR regulation requires EU member states to collect end-of-life textile products separately. This initiative aims to reduce textile waste and promote large-scale recycling.

3. Digital Product Passports (DPPs)

DPPs will become mandatory in the EU by 2030, providing consumers with detailed information about a product's origin, materials, and sustainability credentials through scannable formats. Brands like Nobody's Child have already begun implementing DPPs, enhancing supply chain transparency and consumer trust.

4. Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)

The CSDDD requires companies to identify and address environmental and human rights impacts across their supply chains. This directive applies to EU companies and non-EU companies with significant EU revenue.

5. Green Claims Directive

To combat greenwashing, the EU's Green Claims Directive mandates that environmental claims made by companies must be substantiated and verifiable, ensuring truthful marketing practices. ​

State-Level Initiatives: United States

1. California's Climate Accountability Package

In February 2025, California introduced legislation requiring fashion brands with over $100 million in global revenue to set science-based emissions reduction targets and manage toxic chemical use across their supply chains. Companies must develop comprehensive plans to manage their products throughout their lifecycle.

2. PFAS Bans

States like California and New York are banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in apparel due to environmental and health concerns. These bans necessitate changes in manufacturing processes and material sourcing.

Environmental Impact Labelling: France

France plans to implement an environmental score for clothing items, providing a numerical rating associated with a sustainability score. This initiative, part of the Climate and Resilience Act, aims to inform consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases.

Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals

As regulatory legislations evolve, brands are increasingly under pressure to prove their commitment to sustainability through measurable action. Save Your Wardrobe (SYW) offers an integrated digital solution that supports brands in future-proofing their operations and meeting global sustainability standards. Our aftersales solutions seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructures, enabling a smooth transition toward more circular, regulation-ready services. Get in touch with us to learn more.