EU Finalises Plan to Scale Back Sustainability Rules
The bloc’s overhaul sharply reduces the number of companies covered by ESG reporting and supply chain due-diligence laws, easing compliance pressures but increasing concerns over accountability.

Nike has agreed to substantial payouts to thousands of former garment workers at a Thai supplier after years of pressure from labour rights campaigners and an independent investigation into alleged wage theft during the pandemic.

Nike has agreed to substantial payouts to thousands of former garment workers at a Thai supplier after years of pressure from labour rights campaigners and an independent investigation into alleged wage theft during the pandemic.

Between top luxury players being linked to sweatshops and brands walking away from overt sustainability messaging, fashion seemed to backslide on both the social and environmental fronts in 2025.

Between top luxury players being linked to sweatshops and brands walking away from overt sustainability messaging, fashion seemed to backslide on both the social and environmental fronts in 2025.

Heat pumps similar to those widely used in homes and buildings offer a glimpse of how fashion manufacturers might slash their emissions, if only there were a one-size-fits-all solution.

Heat pumps similar to those widely used in homes and buildings offer a glimpse of how fashion manufacturers might slash their emissions, if only there were a one-size-fits-all solution.

From dangerous heat on factory floors to flooding across sourcing hubs, climate risks are catching up with fashion’s supply chains. While new recycling initiatives attempt to scale to address the industry’s waste and emissions problem, easing regulation in Europe raises questions about the path forward heading into 2026.

From dangerous heat on factory floors to flooding across sourcing hubs, climate risks are catching up with fashion’s supply chains. While new recycling initiatives attempt to scale to address the industry’s waste and emissions problem, easing regulation in Europe raises questions about the path forward heading into 2026.

A landmark trial in Italy against Chinese crime gangs allegedly controlling Europe’s fashion logistics is floundering due to mishaps and suspected sabotage.

A landmark trial in Italy against Chinese crime gangs allegedly controlling Europe’s fashion logistics is floundering due to mishaps and suspected sabotage.

The International Accord is adding heat-stress protocols to its binding mandate for brands after a watchdog group documented severe heat-related harm to garment workers in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The International Accord is adding heat-stress protocols to its binding mandate for brands after a watchdog group documented severe heat-related harm to garment workers in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The European Union reached a tentative deal to slash ESG requirements, as the bloc faces intensifying pressure from the US to rein in such rules amid ever-present trade tensions.

The European Union reached a tentative deal to slash ESG requirements, as the bloc faces intensifying pressure from the US to rein in such rules amid ever-present trade tensions.

A disappointing COP30 deal was reached in Brazil, while floods across South and Southeast Asia showed exactly why quicker action is required. Meanwhile the EU watered down sustainability legislation yet again, this time targeting deforestation. In some positive news, bans on fur and misleading ‘green’ ads made headway.

A disappointing COP30 deal was reached in Brazil, while floods across South and Southeast Asia showed exactly why quicker action is required. Meanwhile the EU watered down sustainability legislation yet again, this time targeting deforestation. In some positive news, bans on fur and misleading ‘green’ ads made headway.

Governance and supply-chain documents have been requested from 13 luxury fashion brands, including Gucci and Prada, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged worker exploitation.

Governance and supply-chain documents have been requested from 13 luxury fashion brands, including Gucci and Prada, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged worker exploitation.

The human-rights organisation’s first-ever examination of the global garment industry alleged that major brands have been complicit in widespread anti-union abuse across their South Asian supply chains.

The human-rights organisation’s first-ever examination of the global garment industry alleged that major brands have been complicit in widespread anti-union abuse across their South Asian supply chains.

Action is needed much faster than it will take for voluntary national commitments to kick in.

Action is needed much faster than it will take for voluntary national commitments to kick in.

Italian investigators allege the luxury shoemaker benefited from exploitative subcontractors, escalating a sweeping crackdown on illegal labour practices in luxury’s key ‘Made in Italy’ supply chain.

Italian investigators allege the luxury shoemaker benefited from exploitative subcontractors, escalating a sweeping crackdown on illegal labour practices in luxury’s key ‘Made in Italy’ supply chain.
The bloc’s overhaul sharply reduces the number of companies covered by ESG reporting and supply chain due-diligence laws, easing compliance pressures but increasing concerns over accountability.
The European Commission has adopted new measures that will require medium and large companies to stop discarding unsold clothing and footwear, in the bloc’s latest move to target textile waste.
The financial implications of global warming are becoming increasingly difficult for corporate executives to ignore.
The ultra-fast fashion retailer says it has updated language on its website following engagement with the group.
The news comes less than a week after the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade staged protests outside the brand’s stores.
Following the publicisation of Condé Nast’s fur ban in October, the Harper’s Bazaar publisher will now prohibit the use of animal fur in its editorial and advertising content.
A week after devastating floods, the industry association in Sri Lanka says multiple large facilities have been impacted, as recovery efforts for affected workers are underway.
Set to take effect in September 2026, the new rule will see New York Fashion Week become the second major fashion week circuit to terminate its promotion of animal hides.