WRAP has released UK textiles pact roadmap sets new direction for circular growth
WRAP has released the latest progress report on the UK Textiles Pact, showing both positive developments and urgent challenges ahead in meeting its 2030 goals—a 50% cut in carbon emissions and a 30% reduction in water use.
Since the Pact’s launch in 2021, signatories have made steady progress in reducing carbon and water impacts per tonne of textiles. The use of lower-impact fibres, recycled materials, and cleaner production processes is increasing. Compared to 2019, carbon intensity is down by 6% and water intensity by 9% per tonne. The charity sector’s textile collection for reuse and recycling has also expanded, while circular models such as peer-to-peer resale continue to grow. Together, these activities displaced an estimated 1.12 million tonnes of CO₂e in 2024.
Yet, total emissions and water use are still climbing. A 17% rise in new product production since 2019 has pushed the sector’s overall carbon footprint up by 10% and water use by 7%. WRAP warns that continued growth under linear business models will reverse hard-won gains unless major changes are made to production and consumption patterns.
Recent analysis by WRAP and OC&C shows that circular industries are growing 3.1% faster than traditional businesses, signaling clear economic opportunities in shifting away from linear production.
A roadmap for critical years ahead
To help drive this transition, WRAP has introduced a new UK Textiles Pact Roadmap. Co-designed with industry partners, it outlines a focused and flexible path to accelerate circular progress.
The roadmap includes:
- New indicators to help signatories focus on the most impactful actions.
- A flexible framework allowing businesses to prioritise efforts based on their operations while contributing to shared targets.
- A new workstream on Supply Chain Decarbonisation to address upstream emissions.
It highlights four main areas for progress: scaling circular business models, improving product design for durability and recyclability, decarbonising supply chains, and closing the loop on materials. WRAP’s modelling indicates that adopting these actions can make the Pact’s targets achievable while creating new opportunities for economic growth.
With resale markets growing up to five times faster than traditional retail and repair services offering new revenue streams, there is strong potential for both environmental and business benefits. Yet, many companies are still missing out on the economic value of circular approaches, according to WRAP and OC&C’s joint report.
Collaboration and leadership
Catherine David, CEO of WRAP, noted that the textiles sector is full of new ideas and energy but faces the major challenge of decoupling commercial growth from the use of resource-intensive materials. She emphasized that through collaboration and innovation, the UK Textiles Pact is helping to turn once niche practices into mainstream consumer habits.
“The new Roadmap gives us the tools and direction for the next stage of circular growth,” she said. “Together, we can overcome the barriers holding back progress and accelerate the changes needed for a thriving, sustainable textiles industry.”
Setting an international example
The UK Textiles Pact continues to set the pace for global action on circularity and sustainability. By putting practical solutions into practice, it positions UK businesses as leaders in creating a more consistent and collaborative international framework for circular textiles.
From voluntary action to stronger regulation
WRAP continues to advocate for policy measures that support the circular transition. Voluntary initiatives like the UK Textiles Pact are seen as key to preparing businesses for upcoming regulations.
In August, WRAP and several NGOs submitted a joint position to Defra and the Circular Economy Taskforce calling for a mandatory Textiles Extended Producer Responsibility (tEPR) scheme. The proposed system would reward circular design and green growth. WRAP plans to publish a detailed blueprint for an industry-supported tEPR based on insights from Pact signatories.
The organisation is also advising the Irish government on a national textiles EPR scheme in response to EU mandates, helping businesses prepare for broader European legislation.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh welcomed WRAP’s updated roadmap, saying, “We are committed to moving towards a circular economy where waste is reduced and resources are valued. Fashion should not cost the Earth. The updated UK Textiles Pact Roadmap is a vital step in driving climate action and supporting circular innovation.”
A call to collective action
WRAP’s new Roadmap offers a clear and actionable plan for turning the textiles industry toward genuine circularity. It invites more businesses to join the Pact and work together toward shared environmental and economic goals—building a resilient, responsible, and forward-looking textiles sector for the years ahead.
