Sustainable fashion and textiles
It's time to take action
The textiles sector is a significant contributor to the global economy, creating millions of livelihoods around the world. But global apparel production and consumption continue to rise, and the current ‘take, make, dispose’ model has severe environmental and social impacts.
The industry is criticised for its unsustainable use of water, land, fossil fuels and energy, along with manufacturing processes associated with toxic chemicals, waste and pollution, and social injustice.
As the world faces the reality of catastrophic climate change, the need for urgent action is paramount.
WRAP is stepping up to the challenge and taking action to transform the way that textiles and clothing are bought, used and re-used. By creating a circular economy for textiles, we are reducing GHG emissions and water use, cutting pollution and helping to end unethical labour practices.
We are working with leaders in the UK and globally to develop, share and scale new processes.
Join us – and help us to increase our impact for people and planet.
Initiatives and resources to help you take action
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International work
Textiles Action Network
The Textiles Action Network is bringing together businesses, government, and citizens across the globe in world-leading initiatives to transform the landscape of the industry.
Working collaboratively yet independently, nations set up their own national action plans, tailored to the local context, share best practice and knowledge, and work towards one simple international goal – to create a circular economy for fashion and textiles.
Valuing our clothes: the cost of UK fashion
Examining the environmental impact of the UK clothing industry. The report highlights recent achievements in the sector, explores opportunities for businesses, and shares insights on consumer attitudes and behaviour toward clothing.
Retailer clothing take-back guide
Guidance designed to help retailers, brands and their re-use/recycling partners either set up from scratch, or improve on a clothing take-back scheme.
Explore our key guidance
An industry-led action plan
The Sustainable Clothing Action Plan - SCAP 2020
Read about the success of WRAP’s ground-breaking fashion and textiles sustainability initiative.
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SCAP 2020 used collective action to minimise the environmental impact on our clothes.
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WRAP’s voluntary agreement brought together fashion brands and retailers, charity retailers, textile recyclers and industry experts in long-term collaboration to successfully reduce the water, waste and carbon impacts of clothing.
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Since 2012 our pioneering industry-led action plan has delivered positive environmental and economic outcomes for forward-looking UK fashion and textiles organisations at all levels of the industry.
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Designing for circularity
Designing products that are durable and recyclable, use recycled content and minimise waste.
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Implementing circular business models
Piloting and scaling-up new, innovative business models that extend product lifetimes.
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Closing the loop on materials
Accelerating the commercialisation of fibre-to-fibre recycling.
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Encouraging consumer behaviour change
Helping consumers understand how to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Share in our knowledge and expertise
WRAP has a wealth of expertise, research, market reports and data that are freely available for use by the fashion and textiles industry, technologists, academia and interested individuals.