ZDHC Foundation advocates for AB 405 to enhance sustainable chemical management in fashion

A powerful push for sustainable fashion took center stage at the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee meeting on April 8, 2025, as supporters rallied behind Assembly Bill 405. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in chemical use within the textile and apparel industries, a move that advocates argue is crucial for public health and environmental protection.

Leading the charge was a representative from the ZDHC Foundation, who emphasized the bill's alignment with existing industry standards and its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to chemical processes in textile production. "By using better chemistry, manufacturers can reduce both energy use and emissions, improve efficiency while protecting workers, communities, ecosystems, and ultimately, the consumers," they stated, urging lawmakers to support the bill.

The meeting saw an outpouring of endorsements from various organizations, including major California fashion brands like Patagonia and Reformation, as well as environmental groups such as Californians Against Waste and the Climate Center. These supporters highlighted the bill's role in ensuring that health and environmental integrity are integrated into new supply chain contracts, rather than added as an afterthought.

However, not all voices were in favor. The California Retailers Association expressed concerns that AB 405 could lead to increased costs for consumers and overlap with existing regulations. Their president, Rachel Michelin, cautioned that the bill might impose unnecessary burdens on California's retail sector.

As the debate continues, the future of AB 405 remains uncertain, but its implications for the fashion industry and environmental policy in California are clear. Advocates are hopeful that the bill will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to fashion production, setting a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.