Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The Business of Fashion
Sustainability

Op-Ed | Only Government Can Make Fashion Sustainable

Fashion’s sustainability problem will not be solved by consumers or companies. It’s time for government legislation and regulation, argues Maxine Bédat.
Clothing waste mounting in the Kpone landfill in Accra. Maxine Bédat.
Clothing waste mounting in the Kpone landfill in Accra, Ghana. Maxine Bédat.
By
  • Maxine Bédat

I have been working in “fashion sustainability” for nearly a decade. Back when I got started, people — including most in the industry — gave blank stares when I spoke of the fashion world’s enormous environmental and social impact. Back then, fashionistas cared more about peplum and sparkly pumps than pesticides or pay.

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

In This Article
Topics

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Sustainability
How fashion can do better for people and the planet.

How Mexico’s Independent Women Fashion Designers Are Rethinking Growth

At Soho House Mexico City, Mexican fashion designers Carla Fernández, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane and Camila Banzo joined BoF’s Yasmine Dahlberg to speak candidly about identity, innovation and what it takes to build an independent fashion business in Mexico — as part of both Women’s History Month and the House’s ongoing Women Shaping the Future initiative.

Fashion Searches For a New Climate Solution

Coach-owner Tapestry’s new carbon-removal partnership and brands making fresh commitments to textile-to-textile recycling startups show an industry searching for ways to address its environmental impact.

view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

Puig Announces New CEO

xxxJose Manuel Albesa will succeed Marc Puig, becoming the first non-family member to lead the Spanish conglomerate in more than 20 years.

Adidas’ Power Play Against Leakers

Adidas filed one of the strangest lawsuits that you’ll see in sneakers. It could have implications for how consumers get their information moving forward.

VIEW MORE

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.