The British Fashion Council is calling for a more sustainable industry
Championing circularity, decarbonisation and social change
Fashion excites, inspires and unites. It also has a vital role to play in protecting our planet
The British Fashion Council (BFC) is driving change in the way clothing is sourced, designed, manufactured, enjoyed, and disposed.
In 2020, the BFC launched the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF), gathering the UK’s brightest minds and leaders in fashion and textiles as a call to action for a more sustainable industry.
Outlining a clear case for change, its flagship report The Circular Fashion Ecosystem Project: A Blueprint for the Future (2021) calls for the fashion industry to become more circular.
Since the report’s publication, the IPF has focused on moving the industry closer to net zero targets and driving social equity - because transforming the fashion industry will be critical for the future health of people and planet.
Responsible for up to 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and 2% of the worlds GDP, it employs over 300 million people globally.
An important date on the fashion industry’s calendar is the BFC’s annual IPF Forum, which brings together thought leaders and experts, to consider pressing topics including the pathway to net zero, the circular economy, and enabling a more diverse workforce.
Creating a circular economy and supporting companies to meet ESG regulations are issues at the top of Deloitte’s agenda. We’re proud to have supported the work and members of the IPF so far, and to have worked as its delivery collaborator for the last three years.
How is the fashion world reducing its environmental impact?
From high end to high street, beloved brands including Mulberry, eBay and New Look were out in force at the 2024 IPF Forum.
Held in London in April, the conference was designed to accelerate the industry’s progress to net zero and pursue a circular-fashion ecosystem in the UK. It was an opportunity for designers, retailers, investors, academics and policymakers to come together and share ideas and commitments.
Among the workshops, industry ‘hack’ sessions and panels, delegates heard about the IPF’s Low Carbon Transition (LCT) Programme. Funded by UK Government, it’s helping 50 London-based designer businesses understand and reduce carbon emissions across their supply chain.
Offering learning and development opportunities and access to BFC and industry experts, it provides hands-on support to help the brands to consider more circular operations and connect with their customers in new ways.
“At the event, there was a shared desire among conference attendees to drive positive change within the UK fashion industry,” says Emily Cromwell, a partner at Deloitte.
“The appetite for change we saw on the day came across clearly in all the conversations we had and was truly inspiring.
“One message really resonated – progress can only be achieved with collective action. When people with the right mindset come together it can pave the way for meaningful impact.”
Our goal is to help galvanise people to make tangible change. The IPF event is a chance to talk directly to industry experts and be part of the conversation about sustainable practices.
Emily Cromwell, Partner, Deloitte
Cultural change
In Deloitte’s latest sustainable consumer research, environmental and ethical impacts came through as concerns that can influence purchasing decisions. Consumers want to know what they are buying, its provenance and how it’s made.
From supporting the creation of sustainable and resilient supply chains, to reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint, our firm is working with clients and partners to help make the shift towards a circular economy.
Progress achieved since the first IPF Forum in 2020 includes more proactive compliance with the changing legislative landscape and more brands seeking to apply circular principles and embed greater traceability across their business and supply chains.
As well as the Low Carbon Transition Programme, IPF initiatives include the Circular Fashion Innovation Network. Led by the BFC and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), it brings together industry, academia and innovators to accelerate circularity. Focus areas include circular business models, recycling infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, novel technologies, diverse and future-proof workforce and green growth.
Full insights from this year’s Forum, including priorities for businesses, government and consumers, were captured in a report, produced by Deloitte in collaboration with the BFC’s IPF team and published on Deloitte’s website.
“Significant efforts are required to transform the fashion industry and the responsibility lies with all stakeholders,” Emily concludes.
“But by weaving circularity into the norm of fashion and actively engaging in circular practices, businesses are in a fantastic position to help drive cultural change.”
Insights from the industry
At the event, specialists from Deloitte delivered six ‘hack’ sessions, focused on tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Here are a few insights:
Scaling circular design and business models
Action on circularity is happening, but scale is a long way off. This needs to be driven by business, and marketing strategies should educate customers on the benefits of repairs and preloved items.
Delegates discussed issues including the best ways to incentivise circular practices and how collaboration between smaller and larger brands could be one of the keys to fostering solutions. Incoming regulation of Extended Product Responsibility (a strategy to add environmental costs to the market price of products) will help accelerate this.
The business case for recycled fibre content
There’s a compelling case for incorporating recycled fibre content in the UK’s apparel and textiles retail sector. Businesses need to focus on recycling, re-distributing, repairing and renting.
This includes simplifying fabric selection, engaging with suppliers and ensuring transparency when sourcing recycled materials. Investment in technology is needed, alongside partnerships and collaboration. There is already promising innovation in the space and legislation could be a critical driver in encouraging consumers and brands to recycle.
Regulation readiness
Durability, repairability and recyclability are core aspects of the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. For UK companies intending to do business with the EU, new regulations may come into play as early as 2025.
Brands and businesses must start the journey towards compliance now. But it isn’t only about data. It’s about substantiating claims, implementing governance and exercising controls. Specialists from Deloitte are helping clients navigate what this means for their businesses and help turn the exercise from compliance into an opportunity to create value.
