UK government launches cross-party group for sustainable clothing and textiles

Group will produce a report with 'recommendations for change'

APPG created to look into the sustainability of the clothing and textiles industry (Stock)

A new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been formed to analyse sustainability in the clothing and textiles industry.

With the new APPG, which is supported by sustainability charity Hubbub, MPs from all political backgrounds will come together to review supply chains, materials used, and consumer behaviours.

The APPG held its inaugural meeting this week, where it was joined by dozens of major retailers, industry bodies, and recycling experts.

Over the coming months, the APPG will seek and analyse evidence from a wide base to inform recommendations to government for action in the clothing and textiles sector,” the group said in a statement.

The formation of the APPG comes after the recent report by the Environmental Audit Committee titled: “Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability,” which looked at the environmental and societal cost of our clothes.

The group will be analysing the clothing industry in the coming months (The APPG for Sustainable Clothing) (The APPG for Sustainable Clothi)

Anne Main MP, the newly elected chair of the APPG, said: “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.

“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."

CEO and founder of Hubbub Trewin Restorick also expressed his support for the newly formed group and its goal.

He 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.”