London Fashion Week plugs green clothes

An ever-growing slice of the clothing industry is keen to demonstrate its commitment to social and environmental goals, as interest in London Fashion Week's sustainable clothing conference shows.


The event even warrants a ministerial address – with Environment Minister Dan Norris putting in an appearance to announce new signatories to industry roadmap the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP).

The conference brings together over 200 clothing industry representatives to discuss the ethical and environmental impacts of clothing.

New signatories this year include: British Retail Consortium, Ethical Fashion Forum, Forum for the Future, Levis Strauss, MADE-BY, Cotton Made in Africa, RSPCA, Society of Dyers and Colourists.

Since its creation the SCAP has brought together over 40 organisations, from high street retailers, to designers and textile manufacturers to battle the environmental and ethical impacts of ‘throw away’ fashion.

Some of the biggest names in fashion are working to take actions which will make a significant difference to the environmental footprint and social inequalities which blight some of the consumer fashion supply chain.

Speaking at the SCAP update at London Fashion Week Dan Norris, Environment Minister said: “I’m delighted to be here amongst the industry front runners on sustainable clothing.

“Because of your participation, the Action Plan and wider Clothing Roadmap initiative is progressing as planned and we’re as committed as ever to working with the sector on improving the environmental and ethical footprint of fashion.

“Over the last year, the actions the clothing sector and government committed to under the Action Plan are well underway or now completed and being showcased at today’s conference in the Southbank Centre.”

Since the launch of the SCAP last year, the Department for International Development (DFID), has launched an initiative to help clothing manufacturers improve working conditions for their producers in developing countries.

International Development Minister Gareth Thomas said: “London Fashion Week is an exciting time for British fashion, but it’s important to remember the people across the world involved in making our clothes.

“Garment production has provided many jobs in poorer countries, but the industry continues to struggle with abuse and exploitation of workers.

“We want responsibly and ethically produced clothing to be the norm in the UK.”

Sam Bond

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