What is the Textiles Action Network?
The production and consumption of the global textiles industry is at an all-time high, more than doubling in the last 15 years, and continuing to rise. Yet the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that 500 billion USD of value is lost each year due to this clothing being barely worn and rarely recycled. The industry is racking up waste, and using land, water, and fossil fuels at an accelerated rate. Citizens and investors are demanding change, and fashion and textiles businesses across the world recognise that rapid action needs to happen if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.
As appetite for action from the industry increases, the Textiles Action Network is bringing together businesses, government, and citizens across the globe in world-leading initiatives to transform the landscape of the industry. Working collaboratively yet independently, nations set up their own national action plans, tailored to the local context, share best practice and knowledge, and work towards one shared ambition – to create a circular economy for fashion and textiles.
How does it work?
The Textiles Action Network is aligned with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global vision of a circular economy for fashion where products ‘are used more, are made to be made again, and are made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs.’
> More reused clothing is sold than new
> All clothes sold in country are designed and made to be circular
> More circular raw material is in new clothing than linear raw material
Based on extensive experience in convening international agreements for Plastic and Food, WRAP has created the Textiles Action Network to put the global textiles industry on the trajectory to net zero carbon emissions through transitioning to a circular economy. The network provides a framework and replicable model within which countries can create their own measurable national targets and action plans, aligned with internationally recognised objectives.
WRAP’s award-winning collaborative agreement approach influences whole system change by bringing together stakeholders from across the textiles value chain and fostering rapid action on climate change.
The network provides a framework and global model within which countries create their own national action plans and goals, informed by local sustainability priorities.
LAUNCHING THE GLOBAL TEXTILES ACTION NETWORK
In April, we were joined by Global Fashion Agenda, Dansk Mode & Textiles, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and Danish fashion brand, GANNI, to discuss the benefits of a global network of textiles agreements, working together towards targets which will accelerate the circularity of the fashion industry.
You can watch again below:
WHO DO WE WORK WITH?
We work with like-minded organisations across the world. We are keen to hear from leaders of textiles-focused government departments and organisations, NGOs, brand and retail leaders, product designers, and innovators who would like to develop a national agreement as part of the network.
We will work closely with you to setup your initiative, provide practical tools, knowledge, and support and to help establish national sustainability goals with measurable targets based on shared knowledge and best practice from the global network.
The nature of the fashion industry requires a joined up local and global approach to create a circular economy. The Textiles Action Network provides this blend.
National action
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Textiles 2030
Textiles 2030, the UK sustainable textiles action plan, is the first trailblazer initiative in the Textiles Action Network. Launched in April 2021, 63 signatory organisations, including major brands and retailers, re-use and recycling organisations, and supporting affiliates have signed up, agreeing to slash the carbon and water impacts of UK textiles by 2030 through the adoption of circular practices.
WRAP's work on Sustainable Textiles
WRAP has been working on sustainable clothing and textiles for over a decade. Take a look at some of our work below.