Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 passes in California; American Apparel & Footwear Assn. says 'bill that passed today is more implementable and better supports industry efforts towards circularity than what was introduced almost two years ago'

American Apparel & Footwear Association President and CEO Steve Lamar responded to passage of SB-707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, in California:

"AAFA and our members are keenly interested in policies that will help make progress towards the textile, apparel, and footwear industry’s sustainability and circularity goals. We believe well-designed extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes will play a crucial role in directing investment towards reuse, repair, and recycling infrastructure, and bolstering their respective markets, all while incentivizing the prioritization of product stewardship when designing and manufacturing new products. We are gratified that the bill that passed today is more implementable and better supports industry efforts towards circularity than what was introduced almost two years ago.

"We are pleased Senator Newman prioritized stakeholder engagement throughout this two-year legislative session and ultimately made amendments that addressed some AAFA concerns by tightening a loophole for online marketplaces, ensuring brands’ resale efforts will be accounted for, ensuring brands’ circularity partners will be able to participate in the program, and removing brand liability for counterfeit products, among other concerns. This collaboration led to us to withdraw our opposition to the legislation.

"The industry would have preferred to see some additional amendments, such as language to provide for harmonization with the European Union on the recycling definition, to eliminate restrictions on the sale of recycled textiles, and to fully close the loophole for third-party sellers on online marketplaces; however, we look forward to continued work with Senator Newman and the State of California on this program. The EPR program’s successful operation will be vital to supporting the industry’s circular transition."

Today's statement follows a letter delivered to the California State Senate on Monday, August 26. Previously, AAFA testified on July 1, 2024, and in July 2023, Accelerating Circularity, the American Circular Textiles Group, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association submitted these comments on SB 707 and request the bill be made a two-year bill.