Textiles

Sustainable fashion and textiles

It's time to take action

The textiles sector is a significant contributor to the global economy, creating millions of livelihoods around the world. But global apparel production and consumption continue to rise, and the current ‘take, make, dispose’ model has severe environmental and social impacts.

The industry is criticised for its unsustainable use of water, land, fossil fuels and energy, along with manufacturing processes associated with toxic chemicals, waste and pollution, and social injustice.

As the world faces the reality of catastrophic climate change, the need for urgent action is paramount.

WRAP is stepping up to the challenge and taking action to transform the way that textiles and clothing are bought, used and re-used. By creating a circular economy for textiles, we are reducing GHG emissions and water use, cutting pollution and helping to end unethical labour practices.

We are working with leaders in the UK and globally to develop, share and scale new processes.

Join us – and help us to increase our impact for people and planet.

Demand for raw materials is expected to triple by
2050 Find out more
An estimated
£140m
worth of clothing is sent to UK landfill each year
Find out more

Initiatives and resources to help you take action

Textiles 2030

Textiles 2030

WRAP’s ground-breaking, award-winning initiative, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of UK leaders in sustainability to accelerate the whole fashion and textiles industry’s move towards circularity and system change in the UK.

Be part of it

Interested in Textiles 2030? Sign up to our business briefing newsletter  

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International work

Textiles Action Network

The Textiles Action Network is bringing together businesses, government, and citizens across the globe in world-leading initiatives to transform the landscape of the industry.

Working collaboratively yet independently, nations set up their own national action plans, tailored to the local context, share best practice and knowledge, and work towards one simple international goal – to create a circular economy for fashion and textiles.  

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Valuing our clothes: The cost of UK fashion

Valuing our clothes: the cost of UK fashion

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

Read the report
Retailer clothing take-back guide

Retailer clothing take-back guide

Guidance designed to help retailers, brands and their re-use/recycling partners either set up from scratch, or improve on a clothing take-back scheme.

Read the guide
Textiles Market Situation report 2019

Textiles Market Situation Reports

Gain the latest market knowledge with our market situation reports, detailing the current state of the commercial textile and fibre markets.

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Explore our key guidance

An industry-led action plan

The Sustainable Clothing Action Plan - SCAP 2020

Read about the success of WRAP’s ground-breaking fashion and textiles sustainability initiative. 

  • SCAP 2020 used collective action to minimise the environmental impact on our clothes. 

  • WRAP’s voluntary agreement brought together fashion brands and retailers, charity retailers, textile recyclers and industry experts in long-term collaboration to successfully reduce the water, waste and carbon impacts of clothing. 

  • Since 2012 our pioneering industry-led action plan has delivered positive environmental and economic outcomes for forward-looking UK fashion and textiles organisations at all levels of the industry. 

Find out more

Share in our knowledge and expertise

WRAP has a wealth of expertise, research, market reports and data that are freely available for use by the fashion and textiles industry, technologists, academia and interested individuals.

View all Textiles resources

  • Sustainable clothing guide

  • Changing our clothes: Why the clothing sector should adopt new business models

  • Design for extending clothing life

  • Getting started in sustainable fashion and textiles