July 20th | New York, NY | Epic Group, Norlanka, Shahi Exports, and Simple Approach
together with GIZ FABRIC and Transformers Foundation are pleased to announce the
release of a comprehensive report on sustainability-related legislation and their implications
for apparel suppliers and beyond. The report is a groundbreaking and unique collaboration
amongst apparel suppliers. The report aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for
companies operating in the apparel value chain, particularly those established or
headquartered outside of the Global North.
Legislators in the Global North, including the EU, United Kingdom, and United States, are
driving significant efforts to enact sustainability-related legislation. These laws have the
potential to impact companies beyond their jurisdictions, making it crucial for businesses to
understand their implications. The report analyzes the legislative landscape and helps
suppliers navigate the changing requirements.
The report highlights the importance of determining whether companies are directly or
indirectly in-scope of these legislations. It emphasizes that even indirect in-scope companies may still face significant impacts and potential legal liabilities. By engaging with the factsheets and compliance recommendations provided in the report, companies can
proactively prepare for compliance and mitigate potential risks.
Key highlights and trends outlined in the report include increased demands for supply chain
visibility and traceability, more stringent codes of conduct, heightened reporting requirements, and the need for suppliers to implement due diligence processes.
As a group, we encourage fellow suppliers to discuss the implications of
sustainability-related legislation with their customers, allocate sufficient resources for
compliance, and seek opportunities to engage with policy makers. The report emphasizes
the importance of aligning sustainability policies and practices with the evolving legislative
landscape to stay ahead in the industry.
