The Weekly Briefing - 11 January

Our policy researcher Hilary Marsh presents a roundup of the week’s fashion headlines…

New York Times
New York Could Make History With a Fashion Sustainability Act
A new piece of legislation, sponsored by the New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and others would see apparel and footwear companies with more than $100 million in revenue required to map at least 50% of their supply chains from farm to shipping and outline plans to reduce negative social and environmental impact, and publish their volumes of different material production. Read.

The Independent
UK Spending On ‘Ethical Products’ Including Electric Cars and Second-Hand Clothes Surpasses £100bn
Co-Ops 2021 Ethical Consumerism report has reported £122bn was spent on ethical products in 2020 compared to the first recorded figures of £11.2bn in 1999. The fashion industry specifically, saw the sale of second hand clothes reaching £846m. Read.

The Guardian
UK surge in post-Christmas returns reveals dark side of online shopping boom
Last year, post-Christmas returns cost businesses £7bn a year, according to KPMG’s 2020 report, and this year appears to be no different. Not only does this have a financial cost for business, the carbon footprint impact is a growing concern caused by the growth of online shopping. Read.

Teen Vogue
Rent the Runway Launches Program to Recycle Fast Fashion Garments
The clothing rental company, Rent the Runway, has launched a clothing recycling scheme for customers of the New York store, collecting ‘unwearable’ fashion items and sending them on to become insulation material. Read.

Forbes
Why Ralph Lauren Wants To Sell You Digital Clothing
As interest in the metaverse continues to grow, and as more and more brands look to make their mark, Forbes breaks down the benefits to fashion brands of entering the matrix. Read.