WRAP pushes for a standardized approach to assess the environmental impact of clothing resale and repair, highlighting significant carbon savings.
Environmental nonprofit organization WRAP is advocating for clothing manufacturers to adopt an updated standard designed to measure the environmental impact of resale and repair operations within the clothing and textiles sector. This effort is based on new findings from WRAP’s report titled “Displacement Rates Untangled,” which aims to enhance supply circularity in the industry through a standardized methodology that quantifies the carbon impact of pre-used clothing and repair services.
In collaboration with six significant suppliers known for offering repaired or second-hand items—often branded as “preloved” to encourage shifts in consumer perception—WRAP has utilized data from companies like Depop, eBay, Vestiaire Collective, The Seam, SOJO, and the brand Finisterre. The aim is to calculate how repair and resale services can reduce the demand for new garments, effectively offsetting the emissions associated with their production and material sourcing.
According to WRAP, one of the major challenges hindering progress has been the lack of a consistent methodology for assessing the environmental benefits of innovative sales strategies. The report outlines specific calculations indicating that repairing a tear in a waterproof jacket, rather than purchasing a new one, could save approximately 45 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e)—equating to the emissions from 300 standard washing cycles.
Other insights from the report highlight significant potential savings in carbon emissions when opting for second-hand items. Purchasing a pair of second-hand jeans could save about 30 kg CO2e, while acquiring used trainers via online platforms averages a carbon savings of over 12 kg CO2e compared to buying new. Additionally, repairing a single cotton t-shirt could yield a 7.5 kg CO2e reduction in emissions compared to manufacturing a new piece of clothing.
WRAP argues that these findings could serve as a vital resource for rethinking material supply strategies in the UK, projected in 2024 to be the fourth-largest consumer of clothing globally. The organization intends for the research to assist suppliers and businesses in illustrating the sustainability advantages and emission reductions achievable through enhanced circular practices in the clothing market.
Harriet Lamb, chief executive of WRAP, emphasized that the research provides a valuable tool for companies considering or expanding repair and rental offerings as sustainable alternatives to conventional retail. “Our research shows that buying preloved satisfies our desire for clothes, for something new-to-us, and means we don’t buy so many brand-new items,” Lamb said. She further pointed out that for the first time, the environmental arguments for various circular business models, including repair, can now be measured consistently.
The clothing sector is notably responsible for an estimated 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions through upstream activities, according to WRAP. Additionally, it is recognized as the second-largest consumer of freshwater globally and contributes to 10% of world carbon emissions. In light of these figures, WRAP supports initiatives aimed at promoting the reuse, repair, and recycling of products as a strategy to mitigate the environmental repercussions of clothing production.
The report identifies significant environmental challenges for manufacturers, such as rising production rates and the issue of overconsumption. Between 2000 and 2015 alone, clothing production reportedly doubled. By advocating for a shift in existing business models, WRAP believes its new methodology can effectively demonstrate the benefits of adopting circular practices.
WRAP’s findings indicate that for every five items of clothing repaired, four new items are no longer being produced. Harriet Lamb reiterated the importance of promoting second-hand markets and charity shops as more sustainable shopping alternatives, noting, “Our data now quantifies the big environmental savings from preloved and repair. This is great news for shoppers as it shows that introducing a little circular living into your life reduces the price and the environmental price tag too.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
