Have you ever been under the impression that your clothes were keeping something hidden? Thanks to the French AGEC law (Anti-Gaspillage pour une Économie Circulaire, Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy), these mysteries are a thing of the past! This law compels brands to reveal everything about the history of your clothes, from the cotton field to your dressing room. A true textile detective!
Understanding the AGEC Act
The AGEC law enacted on 10 February 2020 aims to fight waste and advance the circular economy. It compels brands to provide detailed information on the origin of materials, manufacturing conditions, and the environmental impact of their products. This means that each and every stage in the life cycle of a garment, from cotton harvesting to in-store distribution, must be transparent. In this context, 1 January 2023 is a turning point for companies in the textile sector: it will become compulsory todisplay the environmental qualities and characteristics of products that generate waste. Although the AGEC law is a French law, it is part of a European context, where many countries are adopting similar legislation to advance the circular economy and transparency in supply chains. Its effects are felt on a European scale, as many brands operating in France also operate on a global scale.
Trustworthy marks
You’ve probably already noticed those little labels with logos such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Oeko-Tex. In fact, they are meant to certify that your clothes have been made in an ethical and eco-friendly way. These labels guarantee that your clothes respect the environment and the working conditions of the workers.
GOTS : guarantees the organic origin of the fibres and compliance with environmental and social criteria.
Oeko-Tex: certifies the absence of harmful substances in textiles.
To find out more about certifications, you can read this detailed article explaining the advantages of labels in the textile industry: https://blog.toptex.com/en/ocs-and-gots-certification-we-explain/
Becoming a traceability expert
Thanks to traceability, you’ll know the history of every garment in your wardrobe. It also helps you reduce your carbon footprint by choosing products that are local or made in compliance with sustainability standards.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Read the labels: look for labels
- Find out more about brands: opt for those that are transparent about their practices
- Use technology: look for QR codes on the labels and scan them with your smartphone to obtain detailed information on the origin and manufacturing process.
So, are you ready to become an expert in textile traceability? The next time you buy a garment, you can read and tell its story with pride, and remember: the label is there to inform, not to itch.