California Senate Bill 707
‍
What is it?

California’s SB 707 is America’s first comprehensive textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. It requires apparel and textile brands selling into California to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products. While brands are not required to track each individual item of clothing, they are responsible for funding and participating in systems that support collection, reuse, repair, recycling, and responsible end-of-life management.

In short, brands need to understand their supply chains, sell-through performance, and how excess inventory is managed at end of life.Financial contributions under the law will likely vary based on factors such as material quality, construction, and other product characteristics.

Why This Matters for Brands

1. Responsibility Is Becoming a Brand Value
Consumers already expect sustainability; SB 707 makes it operational. Brands that move early can turn compliance into credibility—showing leadership rather than reacting under pressure.

2. Design Decisions Now Have Long-Term Impact
Materials, construction, durability, and recyclability directly affect future costs and obligations. Smart design today reduces waste—and financial exposure—tomorrow.

3. Re-commerce Is No Longer Optional
Secondhand, resale, repair, and take-back programs aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re becoming essential infrastructure for meeting EPR requirements while extending brand life and customer engagement.

4. Compliance Can Unlock New Revenue
SB 707 rewards brands that rethink ownership models. Circular strategies—resale, refurbishment, upcycling—can drive margin, loyalty, and storytelling while reducing environmental impact.

The Opportunity

SB 707 isn’t about slowing brands down—it’s about modernizing how products live in the world. The brands that win will treat circularity as a growth strategy, not a cost center.

The future belongs to companies that design with the full lifecycle in mind—and use responsibility as a competitive edge.

Not sure where to start, we can help! 

‍