In pursuit of its goal of achieving a circular economy strategy, the UK Government has announced new initiatives to promote and boost fashion and textile repair, reuse, and recycling operations.
The Government claims that its Waste Prevention Programme for England, dubbed ‘Maximising Resources, Minimising Waste,’ aims to support its waste reduction targets and net zero pledge.
The UK Government adds that it intends to focus on seven important sectors, including textiles. The Waste Prevention Programme aims to reduce fashion and textile waste, boost product utilisation, and foster a lucrative textile recycling business, all while encouraging a circular economy.
Recognising the importance of collaboration, the Government has collaborated with the fashion sector to push voluntary action through initiatives such as Textiles 2030, the UK Sustainable Textile Action Plan. The plan’s signatories commit to aggressive 2030 targets, including a 50% reduction in new product carbon footprint and a 30% decrease in water footprint. Circular business models and closing the material loop are two crucial areas for achieving these goals.
Additionally, the Government will provide £ 15 million through the UK Research and Innovation’s Circular Fashion Programme to overcome obstacles to the adoption of circular business models. Included in this are £ 4 million for a sorting and recycling demonstration unit, £ 6 million for research, £ 2 million for an industry-led innovation network, and £ 3 million for initiatives that link UK fashion companies with academic institutions.
