WRAP says the collaborative network is the best option to promote sustainability in fashion because it forces governments and businesses to address their environmental responsibility. The activist group marked the recent industry collaboration between the Textile Action Network and the Danish government as a major event in the sustainability movement.
“We welcome this ambitious move by the Danish government to address the environmental impacts of textiles with a national work program within this new industry collaboration. WRAP has played an important role in bringing together the key stakeholders who are launching this ground-breaking international initiative, sharing our extensive experience of voluntary sector collaborations and circular goal setting,” said David RogersHead of International Programs at WRAP.
Bettina Simonson, Managing Director at LDC, added: “WRAP has played an integral role in bringing together key stakeholders who are launching this ground-breaking international initiative and sharing their extensive experience of voluntary sector collaborations with us. We look forward to working closely with them and will rely on their knowledge and technical expertise to help us go further and faster in Denmark.”
The first step of the collaboration involves WRAP and the government working together to map existing circular clothing initiatives and fill any gaps. After that, they will collaborate to define a national fashion industry framework based on the creation of a circular economy, supported by funding and government interventions, that all Danish businesses will be expected to follow.
A lean supply chain solution for the circular economy
The antithesis of fast fashion, slow fashion is a way for governments and businesses to begin to counter the destructive influence of industry. By tackling unnecessary levels of production and discouraging mindless consumption, the slow fashion movement puts people, animals and the environment first.
And reduction of material waste, slowing down the fashion supply chain would have a constructive impact on society. with 80% of clothes currently being produced by underdeveloped young women in underdeveloped countries, a slow fashion solution would provide opportunities for businesses to put human well-being above profits on their priority list.
of World Resources Institute suggests that companies should invest in longevity-based business models – or slow-fashion initiatives. US based second hand sellers ThredUp Inc. AND Poshmark are leading the way in the slow fashion movement. At the same time, clothing companies like Rent out the track AND Gwynnie in the USA, Girl meets dress in the UK and Mud jeans in the Netherlands are based on rental schemes that give customers flexibility and security in their clothing investment.
Old companies like Patagonia have had slow fashion initiatives for many years. The outdoor clothing manufacturer offers customers a lifetime warranty, repairs damaged items upon request, and uses recycled clothing and plastics to make new products.
