Amid growing concerns over textile waste being a major contributor to environmental pollution, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law targeting textile manufacturers, requiring them to develop recycling plans. Given that a large portion of the Korean-American community is involved in the apparel and fashion industries, the new law is expected to have significant direct and indirect impacts.

According to the California state government on October 1, Governor Newsom signed the bill (SB707) on September 28, mandating that manufacturers of textiles—including clothing, curtains, towels, shoes, and bedding—set up collection programs for unused materials.

Under this law, companies producing clothing and other textiles sold in California must establish a non-profit organization, known as a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), by 2026. This PRO will be required to devise a plan for collection, transportation, repair, sorting, recycling, and management of textile products across all 58 counties in California by 2030, with financial backing. Companies that fail to comply with the law could face fines of up to $50,000 per day. While similar laws have been implemented in parts of Europe, California will be the first in the U.S. to do so. Governor Newsom stated, "SB707 is not just about recycling, but about changing the way we think about textile waste. I'm proud to see this law passed, and I believe it will have a positive impact on both California's environment and its communities."

The driving force behind SB707 is the rise of the "fast fashion" trend, where consumers frequently buy inexpensive clothing and discard it after only a few wears. Manufacturers have also tended to produce lower-quality garments that encourage customers to purchase more. In fact, California state data shows that in 2021 alone, approximately 1.2 million tons of clothing and textiles were discarded in the state. Of this amount, 95% was in good enough condition to be reused or recycled, but only 15% actually was. The environmental damage caused by these textiles when they are landfilled or incinerated is also substantial. According to the European Environment Agency, the fashion industry accounts for 10% of global CO2 emissions, and textiles that decompose in landfills release large amounts of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, dyes and other chemicals in the fabrics can leach into the soil, contaminating groundwater.

Media outlets have hailed this law’s passage in California—a state known for its fashion hotspots like Hollywood and home to many influencers—as a positive and progressive development. Democratic State Senator Josh Newman, who authored the bill, said, “California has proven that it can be at the forefront of innovation, creating a sustainable textile economy that benefits everyone. By 2030, there will be convenient locations across the state to dispose of used textiles, making it easy for everyone to participate in the solution at no cost.”

However, some concerns have been raised about potential increases in consumer costs, as textile manufacturers may pass on the financial burden of recycling programs through price hikes. This is particularly concerning for Korean-American fashion manufacturers and retailers, who are closely monitoring the potential impacts of the new law.



<Hongyong Park>