Sustainability in Textiles

Facilitating discussions with key representatives and groups within the fashion industry

We are involved in discussions with key industry groups around Extended Producer Responsibility and environmental legislation for textiles, and the sustainability issues that the fashion industry is facing and anticipating.

Circular Economy

Background

Potential, new environmental legislation is on the horizon in the form of Extended Producer Responsibility This may mean that, in the not too distant future, brand owners, retailers and producers could be responsible for the treatment or disposal of more post-consumer products, including textiles.

It is believed that EPR is one mechanism that could encourage more circular thinking and potentially influence sustainable production.

In addition, WRAP has set up the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP) and we are seeing key groups within the textiles and fashion industries starting to consider their impacts on the environment and are looking to implement or have adopted sustainable practises.

Sustainability in Textiles seminar

Many Valpak members are involved in fashion retail and production, which is why we're keen to help facilitate discussions around sustainability within the industry, and inform our customers and other stakeholders of potential obligations.

On Wednesday 4 March, we are hosting a "Sustainability in Textiles" seminar, at The Museum of London, to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility, future environmental legislation for textiles and sustainability issues the industry faces and anticipates. Places can be booked online.

Museum of London - Fashion Exhibition

Seminar agenda - 4 March

Topic

Overview

10:00 – 10:10

What are your key textiles concerns?

James Skidmore, Valpak Head of Consulting, kicks off the day. Come prepared to discuss your textiles goals and ambitions

10:10 – 10:40

Current landscape overview

George Atkinson, Valpak Policy Advisor, discusses EPR legislation for textiles

10:40 – 11:40

What happens after SCAP 2020

David Moon, WRAP, talks about the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan Commitment

11:40 – 12:00

Follow the thread - understanding where your waste goes and what happens to it?

Emily Hare, Valpak Waste & Resource Traceability Manager, guides you through the waste stream for textiles and how you can retain visibility and report on materials waste data

12:00 – 12:45

Lunch

12:24 – 13:15

Operating a collection

What are the key challenges and advantages to operating textiles collections

1:15 – 1:45

Break out groups

Extraction of metals and plastics for recycling, in store collections, trends vs durability... have your say on these issues in smaller groups with industry experts and retailers

1:45 – 2:45

What do we think the future might look like?

Laura Rimmer, Valpak International Compliance Manager talks about the current landscape in Europe with Textiles EPR
Owain Griffiths, Consultant at Oakdene Hollins, talks through the future of EPR in England and Scotland based on extensive research with Defra

2:45 – 3:00

How Valpak can help

You know, it wouldn't be a Valpak event if we didn't summarise the day with an update on what Valpak are doing to move this forwards in the industry and talking about how we can help you achieve your environmental and sustainable goals

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