Resources

Increasing the utilisation of clothing is a daunting challenge in a world of ‘fast fashion’ and accelerating consumption. Many companies have responded to market demand and competition by reinforcing and enabling ‘fast fashion’ trends. 

But simply selling more new clothes to meet demand in high consuming and fast-growing economies is unsustainable. It puts more pressure on natural and human resources that are already over exploited. It will mean even greater negative impacts on the environment and society. 

This summary report explores the achievements of the four year ECAP (European Clothing Action Plan) project, part funded by EU LIFE.

Identification of and recommendations to overcome barriers to the development of post-consumer, closed loop clothing recycling in the UK.

WRAP worked with COS, which is part of the H&M group, to run extended wash test trials on four different menswear Merino wool jumpers, in order to review and assess the optimal care instructions to maximise the garments’ life. 

Through regular analysis of its products’ returns data, New Look identified above average levels of returns on womenswear stretch jeans due to button attachment failure. WRAP worked with New Look to review the testing process of womenswear stretch jeans to help improve their performance, extending the life of these products.

Working with WRAP, John Lewis identified an opportunity to improve fit consistency, and reduce sampling and product development lead times, for four core men‟s shirts. Bringing quality to life and encouraging sustainable living are core principles for John Lewis. The project aimed to facilitate 'right first time' sampling by creating a set of core blocks for four John Lewis bestselling men's shirts.

F&F has made a conscious decision to be more sustainable, integrating durability into its working practices, from product design to its end of life. WRAP has been working with F&F to help make clothes look as good as new, for longer.

ASOS identified a potential risk in the product durability of blind felled hems on tailored trousers due to hem failure, i.e. falling after washing or wearing. WRAP worked with ASOS to trial a bonding seal on both menswear and womenswear tailored trousers. 

Ted Baker is taking steps to make positive long-term impacts on the durability of its clothing. By reviewing the critical paths for design and development up to production, Ted Baker saw an opportunity to refine part of its quality management process to quickly identify high-risk fabrics.

The Sustainable Clothing Guide is a practical guide to help brands and retailers to enhance the durability and quality of the clothing they produce.

This series of guidance notes provides different audiences within product development teams (e.g. designers, buyers, retailers) advice on designing to improve clothing life.

The Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP) brings together clothing retailers, brands, suppliers, local authority representatives, recyclers, charities, trade bodies and the public sector to reduce the environmental footprint of clothing.