The fashion industry's circular transformation is entering a critical phase. Regulatory mandates are replacing voluntary commitments, yet execution gaps persist across most brands. Kearney's expanded Circular Fashion Index 2025 reveals a sector caught between ambitious declarations and operational reality, with significant implications for compliance readiness.

Cotton farming spans millions of hectares worldwide, posing major risks to biodiversity. A new paper from Solidaridad and Organic Cotton Accelerator details how agrochemical use, monocultures, poor water management and land conversion harm ecosystems.

The Global Reporting Initiative has opened a global consultation period for a new sustainability reporting standard targeting the textiles and apparel sector. The proposed framework aims to address transparency gaps in complex supply chains whilst providing consistent metrics for environmental, social, and economic impacts affecting millions of workers worldwide.

The Global Organic Textile Standard has announced the Global Responsible Textile Standard, extending its principles to select non-organic fibres. Designed to maintain credibility and transparency, the GRTS framework addresses certified recycled, regenerative, and sustainable natural fibres. The initiative marks a strategic expansion of GOTS’ vision, built through extensive stakeholder engagement and pilot implementation since 2021.

Viet Nam's fashion industry leaders are launching a comprehensive transformation strategy to strengthen the country's position as a global manufacturing leader. The ambitious initiative focuses on technological advancement and sustainable development practices to maintain competitive advantages and also addressing mounting international trade compliance requirements through enhanced domestic capabilities.

The Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme has introduced a comprehensive partner programme designed to strengthen supply chain engagement across Australia's certified wool industry. The initiative offers exclusive certification access, promotional recognition, and business benefits to stakeholders committed to responsible wool production standards.

Quebec's textile industry will received significant government support as the Canadian state's Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy has approved a $700,000 subsidy for wool industry development. Led by TechniTextile Quebec and J Underhill Wool Inc, the project aims to revitalise regional wool production.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association has released a comprehensive Code of Conduct template for members, designed to help fashion and textile businesses establish ethical, social and environmental standards. This exclusive resource provides structured guidance for companies to develop tailored codes that reflect their values and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

India has extended the implementation timeline for its Cotton Bales Quality Control Order after facing sustained opposition from the ginning industry. The decision comes as industry bodies argued that meeting Bureau of Indian Standards requirements would necessitate substantial investments in modern equipment that many mills currently lack.

A new study has found that eco-conscious trainer brands are falling short of true sustainability by focusing narrowly on materials while ignoring broader eco-design principles. Despite the footwear industry’s significant environmental footprint, many brands continue to implement fragmented initiatives without addressing the full product lifecycle or integrating social and economic considerations into their sustainability frameworks.