If nothing else, 2019 has been the year in which sustainability has been the keyword for both consumers and businesses. But while progress is being made in some areas, there’s still work to be done. Improvements in design and manufacture continue to have a positive effect in making clothes in a more sustainable fashion, but too much fashion is being thrown away and ending up in landfill.

The water target has been achieved ahead of 2020, with a reduction of more than 18 per cent against the 15 per cent target. Cotton sourced from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) suppliers has been a large contributor to this. The Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) is confident that the 15 per cent target for a reduction in carbon will also be met. This is due to several factors including changes in the proportions of different fibers used, and increased use of sustainable forms of cotton.

But progress is less encouraging in some other areas. As far as whole chain waste is concerned, reduction continues at a slower pace with a 1.4 per cent improvement against baseline. Supply chain transparency is improving. However, more work is needed, and WRAP is working with signatories to try to improve this.