London is one of the world’s most iconic fashion capitals, with a globally recognised reputation for cutting edge design. However the sector also has a huge environmental impact, reported to account for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than aviation and shipping combined.
At ReLondon we see the urgent need for a sweeping change in our relationship with fashion and textiles, and we’re working with local authorities, businesses and citizens to encourage a better relationship with our wardrobes. This includes designing and buying clothes that last; using low-impact fibres; buying more pre-loved instead of new; and repairing, sharing, reselling, renting and swapping clothes across the city.
Why is action on fashion and textiles important?
Buying, wearing and disposing of clothes contributes to the climate crisis. That’s because we use energy and natural resources to make, distribute and dispose of garments. According to our research, Londoners buy on average 48 new items of clothing per year and throw away around 44 items, 40% of which end up in the waste bin where they are typically incinerated.
This buy-wear-throw approach results in the production of over 2 million tonnes of CO2e each year, approximately 0.23 tonnes per person. In fact, around 17% of all emissions associated with the consumption of goods within London relates to clothing and textiles.
However, change is within reach: if we collectively reduce new clothing purchases by 25% and replace them with pre-loved, rental or shared items while also repairing 5% of what is already in our closets – we could potentially reduce our fashion-related emissions in London by 30% each year. Changing the way we think about our clothes will go a long way towards helping to tackle the climate crisis.
What progress has been made?
ReLondon is working with key stakeholders to transform the city into a hub for circular fashion and textiles by 2030.
- In 2023, we published London’s fashion footprint, a material flow analysis which tracks the volume of clothing and textiles moving through the city’s value chain, identifies carbon hotspots, and explores opportunities to reduce fashion-related emissions.
- ReLondon’s Business Transformation team supports small and medium-sized fashion and textile businesses to reduce costs and cut carbon emissions using innovative circular business models. Take a look at our guide on how to become a circular fashion brand.
- ReLondon’s Love Not Landfill campaign encourages London’s young fast fashion fans aged between 16 to 24 to buy second-hand instead of new; and to swap, share, resell and repair their clothes. Get involved and join in on our upcoming events.
What’s next for fashion and textiles in London?
ReLondon is working with the Greater London Authority, the One World Living theme of London Councils’ climate programme and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to develop a London Textiles Action Plan.
The plan aims to unite London’s local authorities, businesses, residents and visitors to collectively drive the transition towards a just, low-carbon, zero waste fashion sector across the city.
If you are interested in learning more about the action plan or want to explore how you can get involved, please get in touch.
