Legal Matters and Considerations in Sustainable Fashion
As I move forward with my sustainable fashion brand, the intersection between sustainability and the law is an issue I often need to think about. While keeping products sustainable is at the heart of the brand, it is equally vital to consider the legal issues involved in promoting eco-friendly materials, obtaining certifications, and ensuring compliance with labour laws and environmental regulations. Being aware of these legal matters is not only a necessary step in maintaining ethical practices, but it also avoids potential risks and pitfalls, preventing them from hindering my brand's progress.
Sustainable materials and eco-labeling: legal considerations
The use of sustainable materials and environmental labeling is at the heart of my brand's identity. However, promoting products as ‘sustainable’ or ‘green’ is not as simple as it seems. In many countries and regions, laws on environmental claims are very strict and there can be liability for misleading consumers with false or exaggerated claims. These regulations often require full transparency on how a product is made, where the materials come from, and the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. So I need certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fairtrade to prove that my brand is currently committed to legitimate sustainability, and obtaining these certifications requires compliance with specific legal and regulatory standards. This means that every step of the production process must adhere to strict environmental and ethical guidelines, which encompass factors ranging from material sourcing to factory conditions. While the process of obtaining these certifications can be complex, it is essential to ensure the legitimacy of your brand claims and avoid legal disputes.
Labour Law and Ethical Sourcing
Labour law is another crucial area where legal matters play a key role. As the brand has grown I have realized that it is important to ensure that workers in the supply chain receive fair wages, safe working conditions and labour rights are protected. At the same time, these details can be somewhat overlooked when working with international suppliers, so ensuring that all partners comply with local labour laws is essential. Understanding labour laws and integrating fair trade principles into the supply chain not only helps to build consumer trust but also helps to reduce legal risks associated with worker exploitation or unsafe practices. If any part of the supply chain is found to violate labour laws, it could seriously damage the brand's reputation and lead to potential litigation.
Legal Knowledge in the Freelancing/Entrepreneurial Stage
As a freelancer and entrepreneur, my legal knowledge still needs to be expanded and help me make branding decisions. In the early stages, with little exposure to legal knowledge, I did not fully realize how complex the legal issues in the fashion industry were. By understanding the relevant laws, I have come to understand the various regulations relating to trademarks, certification, and intellectual property rights, and try to do my best to avoid being involved in infringements and other behaviors.
Conclusion
Legal considerations are an integral part of building a sustainable fashion brand. From dealing with eco-labeling regulations to ensuring fair labor practices in the supply chain, every legal matter requires constant attention and in-depth knowledge. As a brand grows, a deeper understanding of the law not only helps to maintain its integrity and reputation but also protects it from potential legal risks. Only by operating within the legal framework can brands achieve long-term sustainable development.
Reference
Sedex. (2024). 2023 年可持续发展政策与立法总结与概览 - Sedex. [online] Available at: https://www.sedex.com/zh/knowledge-hub/news/2023-%E5%B9%B4%E5%8F%AF%E6%8C%81%E7%BB%AD%E5%8F%91%E5%B1%95%E6%94%BF%E7%AD%96%E4%B8%8E%E7%AB%8B%E6%B3%95%E6%80%BB%E7%BB%93%E4%B8%8E%E6%A6%82%E8%A7%88/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].
中外劳动研究评论(第一辑) Comparative Labor Studies Review 中国劳动关系的新趋势 Emerging Trends in Labor Relations (Volume One). (n.d.). Available at: https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/pdf/2014/emerging-trends-v1-article6.pdf [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].
