Textiles 2030: UK Sustainable Textile Action Plan
UK non-profit Wrap has launched Textiles 2030: UK Sustainable Textile Action Plan - a roadmap to 2030 - which aims to transform the UK’s linear fashion culture into one where products are made sustainably, used longer and re-used and recycled. The project, an ambitious ten-year programme for clothing and textiles, is set to be the first in a series of international sustainable textile agreements. Eighteen brands and retailers have so far signed up, including Ted Baker, Next, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Oxfam, Primark, Asos and Boohoo as well as 21 aff
This means that, at its launch on April 26th, the agreement was supported by more than half the UK market, with nearly 60% of clothing placed on the market (by sales volume) by UK retailers coming under the agreement. Under the Roadmap, the agreement, which is voluntary and funded by its signatories and the government, sets out targets to be met by 2030. They include reducing carbon by 50%, sufficient to put the UK textiles sector on a path consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieving Net Zero by 2050 at the latest.
In designing for circularity, signatories agree to good practice principles including durability, recyclability, use of recycled content and minimising waste. They are also encouraged to pilot re-use business models, share learning, and develop large-scale implementation to extend the lifetime of clothing in the UK as well as de-couple business growth from the use of virgin resources. A Target-Measure-Act approach will be used so that textiles businesses set tough targets, measure impact and track progress on both an individual business basis, and towards national targets and public reporting.
Public demand
Periodic checks will take place by the end of 2022, 2025 and 2030. Signatories will also contribute to national policy discussions with UK governments to shape Extended Producer Responsibility and other critical regulatory developments. “I’ve been impressed by the way business has committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and striving for net zero,” says Marcus Gover, WRAP CEO. “They clearly see this as core to their business models and essential for building back better as they recover from the pandemic.” Research shows that public demand is there for a more ethical, sustainable industry.
“Textiles 2030 will create a fashion sector fit for the future and lower the environmental impacts of other household textiles,” he continues. “This is just the beginning of a decade-long programme and we need more companies to show their commitment to their customers through Textiles 2030. With clothing having the fourth largest impact on the environment after transport, housing and food we simply cannot afford for sustainability not to be the next big thing in fashion.” Baroness Young of Hornsey OBE is a Crossbench peer and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham: “We urgently need to protect the planet from the damaging, unsustainable impact of the way we produce and consume clothing and textiles,” she adds.
“Innovation, creativity and commitment, underpinned by collaboration is essential if we are to be successful. By working together, businesses across the UK can take the critical steps needed to transform business practices in the sector for good and achieve our climate goals. With WRAP’s expertise in delivering initiatives such as Textiles 2030, and with the sector’s knowledge and expertise I am excited by the impact we can achieve together. I urge every fashion and textiles business in the UK to sign up to Textiles 2030.”
