Mandatory labelling system for plastic present in clothing and accessories

That this House notes the fashion industry’s significant contribution to global plastic pollution; recognises that some 60 per cent of material made into clothing is plastic, with more than a third of all microplastics released into the ocean deriving from these synthetic fibres; further notes that some 70 million barrels of oil are used each year to make polyester; further recognises that a single clothes wash flushes an average of nine million microfibres into our oceans; is concerned at a recent survey which found that 72 per cent of the UK public were not aware of the amount of plastic used to make clothing, and 66 per cent were not aware of clothing’s impact on plastic pollution; backs campaign group A Plastic Planet’s calls for transparency in the fashion industry on its use of plastic; believes that clear labelling is necessary to empower the public to make informed choices on whether to buy clothing based on its environmental impact; recognises that some 81 per cent of the UK public would like the Government to make it mandatory for brands to introduce a label that clearly shows if plastic is present in clothing and accessories; and calls on the Government to introduce this labelling system.