There are concerns over the sustainability of the UK fashion industry and the vast amount of associated waste that is channeled to landfills. In the UK, some 235 million items of clothing are sent to landfills a year and 1.3 billion tons of carbon emissions are produced by the global fashion industry.

As consumer awareness increases, this year has seen an unprecedented war on single-use plastic with most companies ditching plastic straws and plans announced by many to reduce waste, the fashion industry might have to change its tune of denial. Rock-bottom prices by UK fast fashion retailers are leading to a throwaway culture.

Fast fashion retailer Primark is planning to launch a take-back scheme next year, where clothes can be returned once they are no longer wanted and used by overseas charities. While this scheme is a step in the right direction, it is not enough and presents the industry with the problem of what to do with all the garments returned as the UK lacks an industry that deals with these materials. With UK high-street already struggling, retailers may have to consider being drivers of change rather than risk being branded as unethical by consumers down the line.