Dutch watchdog probes fashion’s “social washing”

AMSTERDAM – European fashion brands are facing renewed scrutiny over labour claims after three Dutch organisations formally asked the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to investigate what they describe as widespread “social washing” in the sector.

The investigation found that many companies rely on commercial social audits to underpin sweeping statements such as “no forced labour,” “safe working environments” and “fair pay,” which are claims often impossible to verify.