Bestseller unveils action points on textile waste

Bestseller has unveiled strategic action points on post-consumer textile waste as a response to the Call To Action put out by Global Fashion Agenda in 2017. The action points are crucial for transition to a circular fashion system, and form part of the Danish brand's partnering in the Global Fashion Agenda, a group working to set a direction for industry efforts on sustainability.

The three action points are considered accelerators in the transition to a circular fashion system. Bestseller has committed to report the progress on these action points annually until 2020.

By 2020, all Bestseller designers and buyers will have completed a training module on circular fashion design.

Knowledge is the foundation to address the overall topic and the first action point of ‘implementing a design strategy for cyclability’,” said Bestseller sustainability manager Dorte Rye.

“The second action point supports the focus on ‘increasing volume of used garments collected’.

By 2020, Bestseller will offer and promote a used garment collection channel to consumers in selected markets together with relevant partners, and "it must be a setup that makes sense for all parties involved," said Dorte.

The last action point focuses on the goal of ‘Increasing use of recycled textile fibres’.

Bestseller will conduct a pilot with two jeans styles containing recycled post-consumer cotton. The jeans are to be included in the ‘never out of stock range’ within Jack & Jones.

In 2018, the pilot will be completed and results evaluated.

“It is important to note that the Call To Action is focused on post-consumer textile waste, meaning that other recycled materials already used in the Bestseller supply chain, such as recycled polyester from PET bottles, are not included in this context, “ Dorte added.

The specific products in the pilot will contain the highest possible amount of recycled post-consumer cotton to reach a high level of quality. The remaining cotton will be sourced as either Better Cotton or organic cotton.

“The published action points are part of a more circular approach in Bestseller, but they cannot stand alone. The coming years ahead both Bestseller and the entire industry as such must learn together and be very innovative to take on the challenge on creating a more circular system for fashion,” Dorte concluded.