In 2019, the Committee’s predecessor published its report on ‘Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability’. Urging the government to end the era of throwaway fashion by introducing an extended producer responsibility scheme, and by rewarding companies that take positive steps to reduce waste, the report is one of the most read Select Committee reports of all time.

Since that report, the Committee has held several evidence sessions following up on its recommendations and tracking the progress made by both industry and the Government.

The Environmental Audit Committee of the UK parliament will revisit its landmark inquiry into fast fashion on May 1 in an evidence session exploring the sustainability of the UK fashion industry.
Though the Committee has held several evidence sessions, several leading fashion retailers have declined its invitation to give evidence in person on this occasion.

Disappointingly, several leading fashion retailers have declined the Committee’s invitation to give evidence in person on this occasion, a parliament release said.

Parliament members are likely to ask witnesses what the environmental impact of UK fashion is likely to look like in years to come, and what progress the industry has made towards sustainability.

They are also likely to ask witnesses from retailers like H&M and boohoo what steps they have taken to reduce their environmental impacts.

Members may also ask witnesses about the impact reselling platforms have had on the industry, and whether these increase or reduce the likelihood of overconsuming fashion products, the release added.

According to research by public interest think tank Hot or Cool Institute, the United Kingdom has the G20’s fourth highest carbon footprint from fashion, behind Australia, Japan and the United States.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)