SMEs in the UK have demonstrated better sustainable environmental practices, in stark contrast to large retailers, which fell into the high volume, poor circularity category, according to WEFT’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Sandbox project.
For the research, SMEs including ERDEM, Margaret Howell and John Smedley, participated with their production including items with high natural fibre content, significant recycled content or potentially recyclable materials. In addition to 350,000 products taken into account for this research, a number of them also furnished information on chemicals used and certifications for fabrics and fibres, including organic certifications and Global Recycled Standard content verification.
As per the WEFT methodology, this comprehensive report that was funded by the UK Fashion & Textiles Association and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network, also incorporated sales volumes. This was done to produce indicative variable EPR fees that would show which products performed better and which required upgrade in designs. The research organisation also noted that high street brands’ products, which often come with intricate product composition and without recyclable context, may show more durability.
Additionally, the research platform also advised the UK Government to adopt a textiles EPR system, which uses variable fees or obligations rather than fixed rates. The organisation encouraged producers to assess their current product portfolios using the EPR Sandbox to understand possible impacts and contribute meaningfully to the policy-making process
