Resources

Terminology can inadvertently imply use or value, which can lead to barriers or opportunities in how textiles are considered or handled. A lack of standardisation, clarity and consistency among stakeholders in the textiles sector is an issue that inhibits partnerships, policy development, and can prevent progress towards a circular textiles economy.

The 2024 Textiles Market Situation Report updates on the present state of the UK textiles market.

WRAP has developed one of the most comprehensive open-source databases mapping over 200 textiles sorters, pre-processors, recyclers, and yarn spinners (who work with recycled fibres), operating within the UK and Europe.

This status report summarises the proliferation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems for the textiles waste stream. 

Are people open to the idea of ecolabels?

This report looks at the role that eco-labelling could play in providing citizens with information on the durability, recyclability, and repairability of products, inclusive of home textiles, furniture, and electrical appliances. The research also explores people’s receptivity to using ecolabels, and ultimately, their potential for influencing the products we decide to purchase. 

As much as 80% of a textile product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. Therefore, the decisions made by design and product development teams have a huge impact on a product’s environmental footprint – from the raw materials used, to how the product is manufactured, the length of time it is kept in use and what happens to it when it is no longer desired or reaches the end of its usable life.

There is a lot to think about, which is why we have created our Circular Design Toolkit - a go-to resource for the fashion and textiles industry.

Circular business models offer a clear pathway for disrupting the fashion and textile industry’s linear operating model.

By increasing the number of times an item is worn and keeping clothing in circulation for as long as possible through services like rental, repair, resale and upcycling, the industry can replace the need for new clothing production and avoid the associated environmental impacts, while remaining profitable and serving the needs of a growing consumer population.

From new voluntary agreements in Colombia and Denmark to engaging citizens in 12 countries through Food Waste Action Week, our Annual Report gives an insight into what WRAP was busy working on in 2022/23. 

In September 2022, WRAP commissioned online consumer research into the current attitudes and behaviours of UK citizens in relation to home textiles, including what’s influencing consumers to make a home textiles purchase, through what routes are they buying and disposing of home textile items and what are their in-use habits in relation to those items. 

The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness and understanding of print processes in common use and how they work.

Off the starting blocks

Through Textiles 2030, the whole system comes together. Our shared mission is to catalyse the fashion and textile industry’s transformation from linear to circular - drawing on the energy, experience, and innovation of all corners of the sector to drive this change forward.