If You Repair and Wear Old Clothes, the Government Provides Subsidies... France Supports Tailoring Businesses and Seeks Job Creation

Partial Support for Repair Costs to Counter 'Fast Fashion'
Concerns Raised Over Potential Hindrance to Fashion Industry Development

France will provide a 'clothing repair incentive' for clothes and shoes starting in October as part of its efforts to protect the environment and support the repair industry.

[Photo by Pixabay]

According to a report by the UK’s BBC on the 12th (local time), the French government announced a policy to subsidize part of the repair costs for customers who choose to repair their clothes instead of buying new ones. Starting in October, the government will provide between 6 euros (approximately 8,500 KRW) and 25 euros (approximately 35,500 KRW) each time a repair is made.

Minister of the Environment B?rang?re Couillard stated that 700,000 tons of clothing are discarded in French landfills every year and urged "all sewing factories and shoemakers to participate" in this policy. She also said that the government is committed to tackling 'fast fashion' and encourages consumers to purchase 'virtuous' products and have them repaired rather than buying new items.

The government plans to provide a total fund of 154 million euros (approximately 218.6 billion KRW) over five years. Through this policy, the government aims to support the repair industry and create new jobs.

However, some are concerned that this policy could hinder the development of France’s major fashion industry. ?ric Pouget, a member of the right-wing Republican Party, said the government is already burdened with a debt of 3 trillion euros (approximately 4,250 trillion KRW) and stated, "The government must stop throwing the money of the French public out the window."

Meanwhile, the French government will also apply revised labeling regulations starting January next year to promote sustainable fashion. Accordingly, clothing manufacturers will be required to detail on labels the amount of water used in production, chemicals used, microplastic emissions, and recyclability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.