WRAP, a UK-based non-profit Waste & Resources Action Program announced its 2030 textile initiative, that is a 10-year voluntary program to transform U.K. clothing and textile businesses to reduce the impact on climate change.

The entire program is centric to a Target-Measure-Act and requires the clothing and textile businesses to make clear goals while also measuring their impact and tracing their progress with public reports.

The set goals for 2030 include reducing the sector’s carbon emissions by 40% and water utilisation by 30%. The program is also set to chart out a road map for the UK, keeping in mind the wider sector targets under the BRC Climate Action Roadmap, the Paris Agreement and the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.

The program is set out to officially launch in April. However, it has already generated the support of many U.K.-based organizations such as The British Fashion Council, Institute of Positive Fashion, John Lewis & Partners, Next, Primark, Sainsbury’s, Ted Baker and more. 

The program has exceeded its carbon and water targets by 16% and 20% respectively but has fallen short on its waste goals. By the end of 2019, the program estimated a negative 2.3% reduction in water per ton of garments against a negative 3.5% target. The targets now have a higher chance of being met as consumers have also transitioned into environmental conscious decisions. WRAP data estimates that over 63% of consumers purchase items depending on aesthetics and durability as top factors.

Marcus Gover, WRAP’s chief executive, stated that the climate emergency was intensifying and the resources are limited. He added that their research showed that people understood this and wanted sustainable clothes over disposable fashion. He concluded by stating that the Textiles 2030 was about transforming textiles and taking up where SCAP 2020 left off for a fashion sector fit for the future.

In addition to the efforts, WRAP is also working with partners on a global initiative which is known as Circular Clothing Action Plan. This plan has been designed with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and supported by the Laudes Foundation. The main focus of the program is to achieve global circular economy targets adopted by countries across the globe.