California news and archive

AAFA files legal complaint over California textile recycling scheme rollout

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has filed a legal complaint challenging the implementation of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, marking a significant development in the rollout of the US’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles. The complaint targets regulator CalRecycle, arguing...

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Landbell USA selected as PRO of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act

Nonprofit organisation Landbell USA has been appointed as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), overseeing the management and stewardship of regulated textile products in the state. In the role, Landbell USA will be responsible for developing a Producer Responsibility Plan,...

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California sets deadline for climate data reporting

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has outlined a reporting deadline for California Greenhouse Gas Reporting (SB 253) after approving the adoption of the bill. Based on stakeholder feedback, the organisation has pin-pointed August 10, 2026, as the first-year reporting deadline. For the inaugural year, companies must include only Scope 1...

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Business|Interview

From California to Europe: How Calle Del Mar is scaling a handmade brand without sacrificing craft

In today’s fast-evolving luxury market, Calle Del Mar is betting that craftsmanship – not speed – will win over the next generation of European consumers. The Californian knitwear label is entering the market not simply to reach new retailers, but to tap into a region that still protects and invests in craft. For Calle Del Mar, Europe thus...

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Business|Interview

Shoe circularity gets trial run: Footwear Collective pilots circular systems amid EPR push

While fashion’s recycling systems are steadily advancing, footwear remains one of the industry’s toughest circularity challenges. It is this challenge, however, that The Footwear Collective is looking to tackle head-on through a series of shoe-dedicated programmes that intend to address the lack of infrastructure readily available to this...

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Shein slapped with high fines in California, France

Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant Shein needs to have deep pockets these days, given that the global e-commerce company is being slapped with fines in two countries at the moment. Shein just settled a consumer protection lawsuit in the United States, in California’s Napa, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sonoma counties, and agreed to pay 700,000...

Fashion |In Pictures

Pacsun launches new premium menswear line: Field of Study by Pacsun

Californian lifestyle brand Pacsun has launched a new premium menswear line under the name Field of Study by Pacsun. Described as a "refined extension of the brand's core identity," the new line is inspired by elevated daywear favored by California's elite and upper class. Pacsun launches new premium menswear line: Field of Study by Pacsun...

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New bill introduced in California aims to tackle environmental exploitation in fast fashion

A new piece of legislation has been introduced in California aiming to tackle fast fashion’s "environmental destruction” and the industry’s “role in generating textile waste, natural resources pollution and exploitative labour practices”. The bill, AB 405, was backed by assemblymember Dawn Addis and is now awaiting a referral to its first policy...

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What to know: States banning or prohibiting PFAS in textiles in 2025

With the ringing in of 2025 came the implementation of a number of bills in the US intending to limit or ban the use and production of textile and apparel products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Concern surrounding these so-called “forever chemicals” has begun mounting in recent years due to their increased association...

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Fashion |Opinion

When fashion burns: LA’s retailers will once again rise from the ashes

In the long history of California's relationship with wildfire, perhaps nothing captures the human toll quite like the destruction of beloved local businesses - those carefully curated spaces that form the backbone of community identity. The ongoing devastation in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and greater Los Angeles brings this truth into sharp...

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Retail

California strengthens retail crime laws in boost for fashion retailers

California has enacted sweeping legislation to combat retail theft, introducing measures that could provide significant relief for fashion retailers operating in the state. The comprehensive package, which took effect January 1st, represents the most substantial reform of its kind in the state's modern history. Key provisions include the ability...

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Responsible Textile Recovery Act passes in California

A new piece of “groundbreaking” legislation has passed in California, establishing what is said to be the US’ first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling programme. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (Senate Bill 707) involves the creation of a framework for producers and other members of the value chain to “take...