Asos "responsible edit" comes as Boohoo is criticised for recycled line

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 21, 2019

Asos has launched an edit of more than 3,000 clothing, shoes and accessories for women that are made using recycled or sustainable fibres.

It follows the launch of Net-A-Porter’s Net Sustain platform and Boohoo’s first recycled range in a week marked by fresh concerns and a new debate about how to tackle fast fashion.

Asos said the new edit is a “one-stop home for all the environmentally conscious clothing, accessories and living items at Asos”, featuring both recycled goods as well as sustainable fibres and fabrics which use less water and exert less waste.

There are products from Asos’ Design and Collision labels alongside pieces from Adidas, The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger, Weekday, Reebok, Monki and New Look.

British fashion retailers are amplifying their efforts to supply sustainable fashion following months of pressure from activists and MPs.

On Tuesday, the Environmental Audit Committee, which is investigating the impact of disposable fast fashion, released a report suggesting a 1p charge on each garment to raise £35m a year for better clothing collection and sorting.

However, the government rejected the committee's recommendation, saying action is already being taken to tackle the growing waste problem.

But things seem to be moving in the right direction, and consumers' increased awareness of sustainability is bringing higher expectations in terms of eco-friendly offerings.

In fact, Boohoo was accused of “greenwashing” this week after the launch of its first recycled range. Whilst the pieces are made using 95% recycled polyester, a group of experts said that the mix with 5% elastin makes it impossible for the pieces themselves to be recycled and questioned whether the range would make much of a difference, reported The Times.