Despite notable environmental strides, increased production levels pose a challenge to the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts.
- Many fashion retailers have successfully reduced carbon emissions by 8% and water usage by 9% per tonne, indicating significant environmental impact mitigation.
- The adoption of less impactful fibres and circular business models have driven these improvements, alongside enhanced textile collection efforts.
- However, a 10% increase in fashion production has nearly neutralised these gains, stressing the importance of addressing overproduction.
- Projections indicate substantial growth in second-hand clothing markets, presenting opportunities for more sustainable practices.
Despite commendable achievements in reducing their environmental footprint, fashion brands face mounting pressure from rising production levels, which threaten to undermine sustainability gains. This situation is particularly evident among signatories of WRAP’s Textiles 2030 initiative, who have managed to decrease carbon emissions by 8% and water usage by 9% per tonne according to their recent annual report. These positive changes are primarily attributed to the increased use of less impactful fibres, innovative circular business models, and record-setting textile collections.
However, the environmental benefits achieved have been largely offset by a surge in production, with a reported 10% increase leading to a barely perceptible 0.2% reduction in the overall carbon footprint and a concerning 1.2% rise in water usage footprint. This trend exemplifies the critical need for the industry to combat excessive production and consumption levels to meet ambitious future targets.
Catherine David, director of behaviour change and business programmes at WRAP, emphasised the urgency of the situation. She remarked, ‘Overall, the pace and scale of change is insufficient. If we are to get back on track to hit the 2030 targets, it’s time now to move beyond low-hanging fruit and delve into fundamental transformations.’
The report highlights various opportunities to mitigate environmental impacts, such as offering preloved clothing, takeback schemes, rental models, and repair services. Evidence of a shift in consumer behaviour includes a 9.7% revenue rise in peer-to-peer resale platforms. Furthermore, the awareness of significant unused clothing in UK wardrobes, valued at an estimated £30 billion, underscores the potential for growth in re-commerce, anticipated to expand by 500% over the next five years.
In their ongoing efforts to advance the industry, WRAP has also introduced a Circular Design Toolkit for Fashion and Textiles, developed in partnership with Textiles 2030 signatories, to aid design teams. This initiative aims to standardise and support sustainable design practices. Additionally, WRAP is collaborating with the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour on a pioneering project to set durability benchmarks for fashion products, exploring both physical and emotional aspects. This project, scheduled for completion in 2025, highlights the industry’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
Sustained efforts and innovative solutions are essential for the fashion industry to overcome its production challenges and achieve genuine sustainability.
