Resources

Making the case for waste prevention requires an understanding of the possible types of waste prevention activities that could be adopted and an indication of what these could achieve if they were implemented.    

The Waste Prevention Programme in England for 2013 was set out in the policy paper ‘Prevention is better than cure: The role of waste prevention in moving to a more resource efficient, circular economy'. This report provides a review of the existing waste prevention programme: actions undertaken and impacts.

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 2019 Textiles Market Situation Report highlights 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.

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

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.

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

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.