The Government has unveiled proposals for new measures that will ramp up action on fast fashion and hold manufacturers accountable for textile waste.

The new Waste Prevention Programme for England sets out how the Government and industry can take action across seven key sectors – construction; textiles; furniture; electrical and electronics products; road vehicles; packaging, plastics and single-use items; and food. This includes steps to use resources more efficiently, design and manufacture products for optimum life and repair and reuse more items.

Building on the Resources & Waste Strategy, the Government will consult stakeholders by the end of 2022 on options for textiles, such as an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme which would ensure the industry contributes to the costs of recycling, supported by measures to encourage better design and labelling.

The proposals suggest that a producer responsibility scheme for the textiles industry could boost reuse, better collections and recycling, drive the use of sustainable fibres, and support sustainable businesses models such as rental schemes.

The Government aims to galvanise industry action through a new voluntary agreement – Textiles 2030 – for the next 10 years, which will aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the textiles sector through science-based targets.

Alongside this, using powers sought in the Environment Bill, the Government will be able to set minimum standards for clothing on durability and recycled content, and explore ways to improve labelling and consumer information of clothing. Meanwhile, £30 million has been allocated by UK Research and Innovation to establish five new research centres that will develop UK-based circular supply chains, one of which will focus on circular textiles technology.

Respond to the consultation here

Waste Prevention Programme for England: Towards a resource efficient economy

Textiles: The programme aims to address the negative environmental impacts of the textiles sector and fast fashion, including by supporting more sustainable design, improved consumer information, new business models and better recycling.

Read the full report here.