London is calling for partners to support the development and delivery of a new Textiles Action Plan for the city. 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.
As one of the world’s most iconic trend-setting fashion capitals, London has the opportunity to lead by example and develop an ambitious plan to reduce the city’s textiles-related environmental footprint and support a just transition towards a zero-waste and low carbon fashion industry.
Given the city’s integration into what is a complex and far-reaching global supply chain, London can also help to create change far beyond the city’s borders.
The vision
Through engagement with London’s boroughs and 25 leading organisations, the following vision has been developed for London’s fashion industry which will inform the direction of travel and intended impact of the action plan:
Through collaboration, London will nurture creativity and economic opportunities that enable a just, low-carbon and zero-waste fashion sector and set the trend on how textiles are designed, made and used again and again.
With world-leading infrastructure, all Londoners can embrace sufficiency, love their clothes for longer through reuse, repair and sharing, and ensure unwanted textiles will find another use.
Three outcome pillars have been developed to deliver this vision:
Next steps
Building on evidence published in the London’s fashion footprint report and corresponding commitment, the Pan-London Textiles Action Plan is being developed by the Greater London Authority, London Councils’ One World Living programme, ReLondon and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
This plan will outline a programme of prioritised activities that will enable the city to achieve its 2030 vision, such as initiatives that make repair more accessible, educational programmes for schools, and improving textile collection rates.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of systemic change and therefore this plan also looks to build on existing efforts by industry and trade bodies to reduce their impact through better design, embedding circular business models, and reducing waste.
Furthermore, it will support over 70% of Londoners who want to play their part and make lifestyle changes that will help tackle climate change.
Get involved
If you are interested in learning more about the Pan-London Textiles Action Plan or want to explore how you can get involved, please get in touch.
In particular, we encourage brands and retailers, funders and local authorities to reach out and discuss opportunities to work together to drive London’s transition to becoming a global hub for circular fashion.
Endorsements
“London’s dynamic fashion and textile industry plays a vital role in our economy, supporting more than 200,000 jobs and attracting investment. As a leading global capital for fashion, it’s essential that we lead the way in championing sustainability and tackling waste. Together we can help to build a greener and better London for everyone.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries
“With clothing representing 24% of emissions associated with the consumption of goods in London, now is the time for London to address the significant environmental impact of the fashion sector. Through London Council’s Climate Change Programme, London Boroughs have demonstrated their commitment to tackling the climate crisis, and the Pan-London Textiles Action Plan will set out the action that boroughs, in partnership with residents and businesses, will be taking on the ground to decarbonise London’s fashion footprint.”
Hannah Jameson, Programme Director for Climate Change, London Councils
“This plan is both timely and critical to support the move to a circular economy. Its multi-stakeholder approach will not only drive significant positive change within the local fashion industry, but it will also set a precedent for other areas in the UK and overseas to follow. It will foster innovation, create green jobs and promote a sustainable economic model that benefits society as a whole.”
Adam Mansell, Chief Executive Officer, UK Fashion and Textile Association
“We’re proud to support the Pan-London Action Plan for textiles. As the home of British fashion, London can play a leading role in accelerating textile collections and extending the life of our clothes through more repair, resale, and rental offerings.”
Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Adviser at the British Retail Consortium
“I am delighted to see the strong alignment between the three pillars of London’s ambitious Action Plan and the workstreams of our Textiles 2030 voluntary agreement: circular design, circular business models, and closing the loop on materials. We are looking forward to continuing our work with the city, ensuring we stay aligned as its Action Plan progresses.”
Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programme, WRAP
“We must accelerate efforts that not only redesign the products we wear, but also the services and circular business models that keep them in use. By promoting business models like rental, resale, repair and remaking, and making the case for more ambitious policy and investment – London and Londoners can indeed set the trend.”
Chloe Holland, Fashion Initiative Programme Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
“While many solutions sit at national or global levels, the Pan-London Action Plan demonstrates how cities can help set the pace and deliver change. The TRA is happy to support these efforts and looks forward to increased collaboration across our supply chain partners to help unlock new opportunities for re-use, life extension, and recycling across the city.”
Alan Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer, Textile Recycling Association
