The British Parliament claims sustainable fashion is failing, and sustainable fashion fires back by blaming inadequate waste recycling infrastructure. A Drapers reportis British fashion labels’ first reply to the inquiry released by London’s Environmental Audit Committee (Eac) last February. And they are appealing to the British government for help.
Over 90% of the brands interviewed by Drapers (around 370 field executives and professionals) sided with Eac: they recognized the need for stricter goals in terms of environmental impact reduction (including meeting “zero-emissions” targets and complying with the Modern Slavery Act), and supported the introduction of fees for those who should not make sufficient efforts.
The government, however, has its own part to play: 84% of the respondents called for “more investment in recycling infrastructure”, currently insufficient, and for a clearer “outlawing of unsustainable practices”.
As The Current Daily points out, it is interesting to note that most retailers (92.2%) consider sustainability as “a commercial imperative for their businesses”, a vision influenced by changes in customer demand: 91.6% of brands report “a growing interest in sustainability from their customers”.
British Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee took official action last October, when it asked sixteen leading UK fashion retailers (a sector worth over 36 billion Euros) to fill in a survey regarding the best practices already adopted, their spontaneous participation in environmental sustainability programs, their respect of the laws and their efforts to protect labor rights. The Parliament specifically inquired into manufacturing processes, job contracts, and management and disposal of existing stock.
JD Sports, Sports Direct, Amazon Uk, Boohoo and Missguided seem to be the “less engaged” retailers, while Asos, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Primark and Burberry stand out for positive sustainability efforts.
