Drapers has conducted a survey addressing the growing issue of Sustainable Fashion. The survey has found that fashion brands, retailers and suppliers are investing more in sustainability, but to make a lasting change it will need the industry working together with consumers and the Government. 

The survey found: 

From brands, Retailers, Suppliers and Manufacturers:

• 53.7% use recycled materials in its products.
• 42.6% have a sustainable range.
• 40.7% re-use or recycle unsold stock. 

The main barriers to becoming sustainable are:

• 62.5% it is expensive and drives up costs. 
• 36.6% lack of consumer demand. Customers are not willing to pay. 
• 33.9% not enough knowledge and skills in the business. 

Top priorities moving forward:

• 25.2% re-use, recycling and repair initiatives, including using more recycled materials, and introducing take-back schemes. 
• 18.1% use more sustainable fabrics and fibres. 
• 8.8% use more sustainable packaging and less of it. 

Types of Government intervention wanted (percentages of strongly agreed):

• 85.29% fines for companies that fail to report and comply with the Modern Slavery Act. 
• 70.7% mandatory environmental targets for retailers with a turnover above £36m. 
• 61.76% Government to use the tax system to incentivise re-use, repair and recycling. 

To read to full report visit drapersonline.com.