Sustainable fashion is no longer just a matter of values: it is increasingly becoming an area of clearly defined legal responsibility.
France has recently introduced environmental penalties for major imported fast-fashion players: up to €9 for a pair of jeans, with the aim of reaching €19.50 per item by 2030.
Francesca La Rocca writes about this for Suitex International, the Italian leader in recruiting for fashion: another signal that follows the European ban on the destruction of unsold textiles, which has been in force since July for large companies under the Ecodesign Regulation.
But behind the management of surplus stock lies a less visible, yet equally sensitive issue: the protection of intellectual property. Logos, patterns, shapes and colour combinations – in other words, everything that makes a garment distinctive – remain protected even when the product is repurposed, including through upcycling.
The message from regulators is consistent: the circular economy and the protection of creative assets must go hand in hand, supported by traceability and clear rules on the use of distinctive signs.