Welcome to our latest News Update!
Dedicated to shedding light on the evolving landscape of labor rights within the textile & garment industry, we provide insightful updates on developments and progress concerning labor rights, with a particular focus on Bangladesh. In this edition, we delve into the profound challenges faced by textile workers in Southeast Asia as they grapple with the escalating effects of climate change, alongside the latest news and regulatory updates surrounding SHEIN, the Chinese online retail giant, complemented by other news in the textile sector.
Our News Update serves as a monthly chronicle of news, insights, and analysis, striving to amplify the voices of workers and advocate for meaningful change within the textile industry. It is intended for all who are interested in these topics and wish to support an ambitious, sustainable textile industry while becoming part of this new network. If you have suggestions for specific topics or would like to submit news or information under the "Network" category, please feel free to contact Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! or Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
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Forever Chemicals in Textiles and Water Around Garment Factories: IPEN and ESDO’s study sheds light on the alarming water and environment pollution in Bangladesh caused by toxic chemicals resulting from the textile industry. The research report, that was also discussed in a Guardian’s article, reveals the usage of globally banned chemicals and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels far above regulatory limits. PFAS are called forever chemicals because scientists say they could take hundreds or thousands of years to degrade. Their impact on the environment and people has been linked to a wide range of serious illnesses, including certain cancers (also see our previous News Update for more information).
Denmark and France will ban PFAS products: Denmark plans to ban all clothing, shoes, and waterproofing agents containing PFAS by July 1, 2026, due to their persistence in the environment and links to various health issues. Similarly, French MPs have approved the first reading of a bill that will ban PFAS in cosmetics, ski waxes, and clothing textiles by January 1, 2026, with an extension to January 1, 2030, for textiles.
A circular and toxic-free model for the textile industry is threadbare but salvageable: Zero Waste Europe's latest report highlights the poor state of textile circularity in the EU, emphasizing the need to eliminate hazardous chemicals and prioritize high-quality, durable products and local reuse. It recommends policy measures like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and ecodesign legislation to support recycling and protect public health, urging binding targets in future regulations.
Measuring Supply Chain Due Diligence: Labor Outcomes Metrics: How will regulators in Europe, lead firms, workers and their unions know who is harming workers or posing environmental risks, and discern which practices are failing or delivering positive outcomes? The Sourcing Journal has designed GLI’s new set of 25 quantitative metrics to measure labor outcomes – the actual impacts for workers. This article explains the metrics and you can find the policy brief here.
Reports and Studies Concerning Climate Change:
EU CSDDD Final Approval leads German Economics Minister to Propose a Suspension of German Due Diligence Law: The EU has formally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which, despite some compromises, marks a significant step for corporate accountability and will require compliance from companies starting in 2027. The German version of this law has been in force since the beginning of 2023. Now, economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is planning to suspend it for two years until the European directive is transposed into national law. He says, this would ease the burden on companies complaining about the high cost and effort of the new obligations. Coalition partner SPD criticize his proposal.
Business and Human Rights Resource Center launched a new information portal „Who pays for the crisis?“: This portal examines how purchasing practices in the apparel and footwear industry impact labor rights and explores necessary changes for true sustainability amid global conflicts, natural disasters, and the climate crisis. It's a resource for stakeholders, including civil society and trade unions, to access up-to-date information on how these practices drive worker abuse during crises.
Ultra-fast fashion is extremely toxic, but German consumers are buying even more: Seoul authorities have discovered that children's products sold by SHEIN contain toxic substances at levels hundreds of times above the legal limits. Increased scrutiny of the Singapore-based fashion chain, including weekly inspections in South Korea and the EU, revealed one pair of shoes with 428 times the allowable amount of phthalates, a chemical known to disrupt hormones and cause various severe health issues. Nevertheless, more German consumers are shopping at ultra-fast fashion online retailers such as Temu and Shein. Surveys revealed that 91% of respondents know these platforms, 43% use them, and 22% shop at Shein at least once a month. The popularity is attributed to inflation and low prices, with half of the shoppers stating they buy items they otherwise couldn't afford. Despite this, there is some skepticism, with only 25% shopping without concerns.
EU toughens safety rules on SHEIN: The EU has added Chinese retailer Shein to its list of "very large online platforms," subjecting it to stricter safety regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to protect consumers from unsafe or illegal goods. Despite criticisms for worker exploitation and environmental damage, Shein must now assess user safety risks, report to regulators, and undergo annual audits, as part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate digital platforms and address concerns over Chinese tech companies.
Longest Heatwave in 70 Years Makes Workers Sick, Factories‘ actions are not enough: Bangladeshi garment workers are falling ill due to extreme heat, leading to significant productivity losses estimated at $6 billion annually. Despite efforts by companies to mitigate the heat, activists and industry leaders call for greater investment and a national strategy to establish legal temperature standards in factories to protect workers' health and productivity.
See further articles on How can brands and suppliers protect garment workers from the risks of extreme heat?, When It’s Too Hot to Make Fashion or Industries Hit by Drop in Workers Presence, Productivity Amid Heatwave here.
Cyclone Remal slams into India, Bangladesh: A severe cyclone has hit the northeastern coast of India and Bangladesh in the night of 25th to 26th May. At least 19 people died and around a million people evacuated Bangladesh’s coastal areas to seek shelter. Power lines were downed leaving 27 million people without electricity and a shortage of water caused severe problems for performing daily life activities.
Labor Law Amendment Allowing Union Formations with 15% Workers Consent: Following an advice of the ILO, the threshold for forming a trade union in (all) factories has been reduced from 20% to 15% worker consent, and factory owners may face fines five times higher for labor rights violations under the new law. A delegation from the ILO and Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq have been in discussions regarding 41 points concerning the amendment of Bangladesh’s labour act. The number of trade unions in the industry climbed to nearly 1,300 from 250 in the pre-Rana Plaza period. Still, nearly 70 percent of about 4,000 garment factories in the country don't have registered trade unions.
Workers protest as Garment Factory in Gazipur Closes Without Paying Wages and Benefits: Garment workers from Denis Knitwear in Gazipur are protesting the factory's sudden closure without paying their wages and benefits, demanding the factory reopen and settle their dues. Despite a tripartite meeting, the factory owners did not attend the follow-up, prompting continued demonstrations led by GWTUC to address labor rights issues affecting 2,000 employees.
RMG employment injury scheme expands coverage to commuting accidents: Starting from 1 July, RMG workers will be eligible for compensation for accidents that may occur during commuting to and from work. The government has expanded the coverage of its pilot Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) accordingly.
Amnesty Article on Labor Rights Violations and Workers’ fights in Bangladesh: Arbitrary cases against garment workers in Bangladesh to intimidate them into silence, use of unlawful force against protesting garment workers, and a wider culture of corporate impunity for workplace injuries and deaths.
Planned Reform of Labor Law Raises Concerns by NGOs: Amnesty International, Clean Clothes Campaign, and Human Rights express urgent concerns that proposed reforms to Sri Lankan Labor Law would weaken worker rights and protections by removing international minimum standards. These organizations, supported by a broad coalition of unions and civil society groups, demand consultation with workers and representatives through an open letter.
Debunking 50 Myths About “Sustainability” in Fashion: The Crisps was founded to combat misinformation about sustainability in fashion. Over the past year, they’ve published over 50 detailed issues. To mark their first anniversary, they’re releasing a special issue with resources like papers and reports to debunk myths and provide reliable information, including on topics such as the misconception that cotton is a "thirsty crop”.