MPs launch sustainable clothing and textiles group

An all-new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been formed by UK MPs to analyse sustainability in the clothing and textiles industry.

Headed by newly elected chair Anne Main MP, the APPG for Sustainable Clothing and Textiles, supported by sustainability charity Hubbub, launched with an augural meeting that was attended by dozens of major retailers, industry bodies and recycling experts.

Main said in a statement: "I am delighted to be voted in to chair this group and I hope we can help to shine a spotlight on this important topic. We need to have a proper debate about the trade-offs of using man-made materials instead of sustainable natural products and only by seeking evidence and asking difficult questions are we going to get there.

"We know that the current situation cannot continue and I was pleased to see that this was recognised by all the guests attending the meeting. Now is the time for constructive action to make the clothing and textiles industry more sustainable. The APPG will now look to take evidence from industry and others and will produce a report with recommendations for change.”

Exploring government's options for action

Over the coming months the APPG for Sustainable Clothing and Textiles stated that it will be seeking evidence from a wide base to inform recommendations to government for action in the clothing and textiles sector.

Main added: ”I would encourage all parts of the industry, from farmers to retailers to industry bodies to engage with the work of the APPG as we look to bring sustainability to this important issue.”

Trewin Restorick, chief executive and founder of Hubbub, said: "We are proud to be promoting this APPG and hope that the group's work will complement and enhance our current fashion campaigns. Creating greater sustainability in the clothing and textiles industry is increasingly important and with the founding of this APPG we hope that government policy can be influenced to deliver a real step-change in how we think about what we wear."

The formation of the group follows the Government's rejection of all recommendations made by the Environmental Audit Committee's recent report titled 'Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability’ last month.

Image: courtesy of All Party Parliamentary Group for Sustainable Clothing and Textiles - the inaugural meeting