The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee will revisit its landmark inquiry into fast fashion tomorrow, in a live evidence session exploring the sustainability of the UK fashion industry.
In 2019, the Committee’s predecessor published its report on Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability. Calling for the Government to “end the era of throwaway fashion” by introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, and by rewarding companies that take positive steps to reduce waste, the report is one of the most read Select Committee reports of all time.
Since that report, the Committee has held several evidence sessions following up on its recommendations and tracking the progress made by both industry and the Government.
Disappointingly, several leading fashion retailers have declined the Committee’s invitation to give evidence on this occasion.
In June 2019 the Government subsequently rejected the recommendations made by the EAC which would have seen the fashion industry compelled to pay to clean up its act.
According to research by think tank the Hot or Cool Institute, the UK has the G20’s fourth highest carbon footprint from fashion, behind Australia, Japan and the US.
The Committee is likely to ask witnesses what the environmental impact of UK fashion is likely to look like in years to come, and what progress the industry has made towards sustainability. They are also likely to ask witnesses from retailers like H&M and boohoo what steps they have taken to reduce their environmental impacts.
Members may also ask witnesses about the impact reselling platforms have had on the industry, and whether these increase or reduce the likelihood of overconsuming fashion products.
Witnesses who will appear in person before the Committee tomorrow are:
From 14.15:
- Professor Dilys Williams, Founder and Director, Centre for Sustainable Fashion, University of the Arts London
- Helen Bird, Head of Material Systems Transformation, WRAP
- Femke den Hartog, CSR Policy Advisor, Europe, INretail
From 15.15:
- Responsible Sourcing, Group Product Operations and Wholesale Director, boohoo Group plc
- Marcus Hartmann, Head of Public Affairs, H&M
- Joe Metcalfe, Founder and CEO, Thrift+
- Lorna Fallon, Trading Director, Oxfam
Click here to watch the Environmental Audit Committee live evidence session on Wednesday 1 May 2024 -the meeting starts at 2.15pm.
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