Clothing companies representing more than half the UK retail market have reduced water impacts by 12.5% per tonne of clothing in two years.
The data was revealed by waste adviser Wrap in an update on its sustainable clothing action plan (SCAP) sector commitment, which has targets to reduce water, carbon and waste to landfill by 15% by 2020 compared with 2012.
The 82 retailers, brands and organisations signed up to the scheme have also achieved a 3.5% carbon reduction per tonne of clothing. The reductions have been achieved through using more recycled material over virgin options, particularly for polyester, and use of lower impact cottons such as those accredited by the Better Cotton Initiative.
Wrap said it would soon publish industry guidance on sustainable clothing to help designers, manufacturers and retailers enhance clothing durability and performance. George at Asda became the latest retailer to sign up to the commitment in November.
