From Policy to Profit in Sustainable Fashion - Aimee Simpson

Mind the Gap

How can fashion brands turn complex sustainability legislation into a competitive advantage?

In this episode of Mind the Gap, hosts Phil White and Heidi Schoenech sit down with Aimee Simpson, founder of Sustainability Law and Strategies. Amy is an attorney, former head of sustainability for a major retailer, and a leading expert on environmental policy. Together, they unpack the latest regulations—from the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to California’s extended producer responsibility laws—and explore their direct impact on the fashion, textile, and apparel industries.

Whether you're a brand leader, sustainability professional, or marketer, this conversation offers critical insights on:

• Turning compliance into commercial innovation
• Building transparency and trust with consumers
• Bridging the gap between legal policy and marketing storytelling
• Staying ahead in the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion

Chapters

1. Introduction: Why sustainability reporting is at a turning point (00:00:00)

2. Guest introduction: Who is Aimee Simpson? (00:01:00)

3. The shift from voluntary standards to mandatory compliance (00:04:06)

4. Key legislation: CSRD, CSDD, and California’s new rules (00:06:30)

5. Extended producer responsibility and circular economy impact (00:09:20)

6. The EU Omnibus Package: What's changing in 2025? (00:12:00)

7. Marketing meets compliance: Bridging the communication gap (00:15:11)

8. How brands can maintain leadership and innovate commercially (00:19:42)

9. Cost savings, investment, and building futureproof systems (00:21:14)

10. Provenance and the power of origin storytelling (00:23:32)