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Responsible Textile Recovery Act Signed in California
Induja from Trace
October 03, 2024
Happy Thursday!
We’re excited to kick off our newsletter this week with a discussion on what’s going on in the industry. In conversation this week we’ll dive into the Responsible Textile Recovery Act which we’ve been following for some time that has finally passed in California.
We want to dive deeper into what that entails and talk about the lifecycle of a textile. We’ll also share an update on the latest and greatest of companies in the sustainable fashion space and feature our weekly brand spotlight.
Thanks for reading!
Headlines
We are excited to share that SB707, also known as the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, which we’ve been covering for the last few months, has been officially signed into law by the Governor of California. This groundbreaking legislation is set to transform the way the textile industry addresses waste and sustainability in California.
SB707 focuses on reducing textile waste by mandating that companies selling apparel and textiles in California establish end-of-life recycling and take-back programs for their products. This means manufacturers and retailers must be proactive in ensuring that used textiles are properly recovered and diverted from landfills.
Apparel and textile companies will be required to create or partner with producer responsibility organizations to build a complete plan for the collection, transportation, repair, sorting, and recycling, and the safe and proper management of apparel and textile articles in the state.
Businesses will also need to track and report their recycling efforts, ensuring that textiles are reused, recycled, or otherwise kept out of landfills in accordance with state requirements. This could also result in serious changes in how the supply chains of these brands operate.
With this law, California continues to lead the way in sustainability efforts. Companies in compliance will not only help reduce waste but also enhance their brand reputation as leaders in environmental responsibility. SB707 marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for fashion and textile industries, challenging businesses to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.
Read more here (1).
Analysis of the Week
With SB707, companies will have to consider every stage of their products, from the creation of textiles to be easier to dispose of, to the most efficient way to dispose of products at the end of their life. Let’s dive more into the lifecycle of textiles from creation to disposal.
Lifecycle Stage | Description |
Fiber Production | Raw materials such as natural fibers (cotton, wool) or synthetic fibers (polyester) are produced. |
Yarn Manufacturing | Fibers are spun into yarns through processes like spinning, blending, and twisting. |
Fabric Production | Yarns are woven, knitted, or non-woven into fabrics. This stage includes dyeing and finishing. |
Garment Manufacturing | Fabrics are cut and sewn into finished garments or textiles (e.g., home textiles, technical textiles). |
Distribution & Retail | Finished garments or products are transported to retailers or customers. Marketing and sales occur here. |
Consumer Use | The textile is worn, washed, maintained, and repaired by consumers. This is the longest phase in the lifecycle. |
Disposal/End of Life | Textiles are either discarded (landfilled or incinerated), recycled (fiber recovery, mechanical or chemical), upcycled, or donated. |
Recycling or Reuse | Old textiles are recovered through mechanical (shredding and reweaving) or chemical processes (fiber breakdown), or repurposed into new products or second-hand usage. |
Brand Spotlight
Learn about one of the sustainable brands on Trace’s marketplace!
Check out today’s featured brand: Orso Activewear
Being sustainable and ethical in all of Orso’s business practices is at the core of their values. Orso aims to create a brand that supports and empowers women of all backgrounds and sizes—a brand that not only leaves a minimal footprint but also gives back to the world.
Orso was created on a mission to reduce waste in the fashion industry and utilize existing plastic waste to create the most comfortable and durable clothes available.
They aspire to build a brand that is socially accountable and trusted, ensuring that every piece of clothing you wear has a net positive impact on the environment, making you feel good inside and out!
Innovation in Fashion
Oleatex - plant-based, vegan alternative leather crafted from biowastes
Diesel - premium casual wear brand which recently was awarded the Award for Circular Economy at at the 2024 The National Chamber for Italian Fashion Sustainable Fashion Awards
Textile Exchange - global non-profit helping the fashion, apparel, and textile industry move towards tackling climate change problems through their business and supply chain
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