The textiles industry is in need of an overhaul.

In the UK, we own more and more clothing that we are getting less and less use out of, and this comes with a very high environmental price tag.

This is a challenge to the current approach of many fashion businesses, but could it also present an opportunity? Reuse business models can bring benefits for fashion businesses, consumers, and society at large. Recognition of this is growing, and the textiles reuse landscape is changing. Although large companies are becoming interested, and the public are increasingly open to buying second-hand, reuse is yet to deliver all its potential benefits.

On Earth Day 2024, Monday 22 April, Green Alliance and PwC discussed two recent reports into how reuse business models can help to transform the fashion sector and what the public want to see from a greener clothing industry. Circular fashion: making resale a reality from PwC and Changing fashion: What people want from a greener clothing industry, a forthcoming report produced for Green Alliance’s Circular Economy Task Force.

The panel examined how businesses can best set themselves up for success, the policies needed to drive change and how reuse, and ultimately reduction, can bring the greatest social and environmental impact. The discussion included an audience Q&A.

Speakers

• Chair: Lucy Siegle, sustainability journalist
• Libby Peake, head of resource policy, Green Alliance
• Alex Proudfoot, senior manager, PwC
• Sarah Ottaway, sustainability and social value lead, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK