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. 

M&S and Oxfam launched the Clothes Exchange Campaign in 2008, which was rebranded as Shwopping in 2012, to make it easier for customers to give their unwanted clothes a second life.

The latest textiles market situation report highlights recent developments in the market for UK used textiles as well as key factors shaping the outlook for the sector.

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

An update on progress in measuring footprint reduction associated with garments sold in the UK by SCAP 2020 (Sustainable Clothing Action Plan) signatories. The results show further progress towards the SCAP 2020 targets, with reductions in carbon and water footprints, and greater use of lower-impact fibres

The estimated quantity of plastic packaging placed on the market & recycled from 2017 to 2025 and the probability of compliance with national and European recycling targets.

This report examines the environmental impact of the UK clothing industry. It highlights recent achievements in the sector, explores opportunities for businesses, and shares insights on consumer attitudes and behaviour toward clothing.

This report explores case studies of new, innovative business models of clothing retailing which may be better suited to an economy where businesses and consumers are facing the impact of resource constraints and higher raw material costs.

This report looks at key developments in the markets for UK recovered textiles (clothing and non-clothing excluding carpets and mattresses), including trends in supply, demand and prices.

This report details research exploring how long people keep and regularly wear their clothes for.

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 chart below shows the growth in UK exports of reocvered textiles from 1996 to 2015 (based on annualised Jan-Nov data).