Textiles Market in the UK: Trends and Insights from the 2024 Report
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- Published: Thursday, 02 May 2024 15:11
The landscape of the textiles market in the United Kingdom has undergone significant shifts in recent years, as outlined in the 2024 Textiles Market Situation Report by WRAP. This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into key trends, including changes in consumer behavior, production dynamics, and sustainability initiatives.
One notable finding from the report is the decrease in the average cost per item of clothing in the UK, which has dropped by 2 per cent since 2015 to £16.70 (approximately $20.84) in 2023. This trend suggests a growing emphasis on affordability among consumers, potentially influenced by economic factors and shifting shopping preferences.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on textiles consumption in the UK, initially causing a significant decline in rates. Between 2019 and 2020, consumption fell by 330,000 tonnes. However, the market rebounded swiftly, with consumption figures reaching 1.42 million new textile products in 2022, approaching pre-pandemic levels. This resilience underscores the adaptability of the industry in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Leading up to 2021, there was a noticeable decline in the value and volume of textile imports and exports. This decline, particularly evident in imports, was attributed to factors such as the shift towards onshoring production post-Brexit and challenges in goods movement during the pandemic. While import volumes have recovered post-2021, they have only increased by 12.5 per cent. However, the cost of imports has risen above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a shift towards a higher value-to-weight ratio.
The report also sheds light on the significant volume of used textiles generated in the UK in 2022, totaling approximately 1.45 million tonnes. Of this, around 276,000 tonnes were sold to the public, while 650,000 tonnes were diverted to reuse and recycling from end-of-life disposal, and 421,600 tonnes were exported. However, concerning trends were noted regarding the disposal of used textiles, with around 711,000 tonnes discarded in household waste containers in 2021. Nearly half of all used textiles ended up in general waste, with 84 per cent being incinerated with energy recovery and 11 per cent sent to landfill.
Furthermore, the report highlights a notable decline in the price per tonne for textile bank and charity shop donations between 2013 and 2023, without accounting for inflation. The reduction stood at 57.5 per cent for textile bank donations and 41 per cent for charity shop donations, with 2023 figures at £172.5 per tonne for textile banks and £255 per tonne for charity shops. This decline underscores the challenges faced by donation-based initiatives in the textiles recycling sector.
In conclusion, the 2024 Textiles Market Situation Report provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the textiles market in the UK. From changing consumption patterns to sustainability challenges, the report highlights the need for continued innovation and collaboration across the industry to address emerging trends and drive positive change.