America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) continues to pave the way for sustainable practices within the garment industry by joining the American Circular Textiles (ACT) group in support of the Americas Trade and Investment Act (Americas Act) to spearhead the Circular Fashion movement.
ABC’s role within ACT underscores its commitment to advocating for a circular economy via this groundbreaking bi-partisan bill aimed at revitalizing the garment infrastructure and creating jobs nationwide. Introduced to Congress on March 6, 2024, the Americas Act represents a historic milestone in incorporating circular textiles into federal legislation.
Rachel Kibbe, CEO of Circular Services Group and executive director of American Circular Textiles Group (ACT), said, “With the bold textile reuse and recycling incentive provisions in the Americas Act, organizations in our industry will be able to reinvest in jobs in the U.S. and compete globally, while incubating innovation and R&D and fostering an environment to cultivate public private capital. Essentially, we have the opportunity for the U.S. to reposition itself as a global leader through localized circular textile manufacturing.”
ACT worked closely with Senators Bill Cassidy and Michael Bennett on Section 232 and 199b of the bill, which incorporates over $14 billion in tax, grant and loan incentive-based strategies for circular fashion-related businesses.
Kibbe added, “Embracing circular policies like those in the Americas Act is a huge start. Circularity is not only a more sustainable way to think about manufacturing, it’s also an urgent opportunity to revive our U.S. textile industry in a manner geared toward the future. This legislation doesn’t end here, however. Real impact also requires consumers and popular culture to lead a massive rallying cry, making overconsumption out of style and shifting focus to spending on fewer, sustainable items the norm.”
The bill’s circular fashion provisions outline significant grants available for ABC affiliates to fund improvements in processing, restoration, repairs, and aftercare, alongside massive market outreach and education on the value of repair, reuse, and renewal of wardrobes for all consumer classes. These grants enable ABC and its affiliates to enhance their infrastructure and capabilities, furthering their mission to promote sustainable garment care practices and minimize environmental impact.
Chris White, ABC executive director, noted, “I am filled with immense pride over our collaborative achievements with Rachel Kibbe, fellow American Circular Textiles Group (ACT) members, and our collective efforts to advance the cause of sustainable fashion. The introduction of the Americas Act to Congress marks a monumental step forward for the textile and garment care industries. This initiative is not just about recycling, repair, aftercare, and reusing; it’s about revolutionizing how we view and manage our resources in the fashion industry.”