Abstract

Fast fashion’s rapid production cycles, excessive resource consumption, and high waste generation have made it a major driver of environmental degradation worldwide. This paper, titled “Unsustainable Threads: Evaluating Legal Responses to Fast Fashion’s Environmental Impact in Sweden, Germany, and China with Implications for India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” critically examines the legal and regulatory frameworks in three major economies Sweden, Germany, and China that have adopted distinct approaches to mitigating the environmental consequences of fast fashion. Sweden and Germany leverage European Union directives to promote circular economy models, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and sustainable textile production. China, as a manufacturing hub, has implemented targeted environmental reforms, emphasizing industrial upgrading and green manufacturing. By comparing these approaches, the study identifies key regulatory gaps and innovations, drawing lessons for India’s evolving policy landscape. The analysis explores how India can align its environmental governance and fashion industry policies with its SDG commitments, particularly Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action). The paper offers strategic recommendations for India to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability in its fast fashion sector.