Voice of London

Burberry, H&M and Stella McCartney are only a few of the names who decided to clean their act and fight against plastic pollution

Whether it’s the distressful statistics that there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by 2050 or the alarming news that we only have 12 years left to reverse the climate change until the point of no return – the biggest names in fashion are finally waking up and are ready to act.

Undoubtedly, plastic is very advantageous. It is featherlight, long-lasting, cheap and easy to make. However, plastic is one of the most dangerous pollutants for our planet.

To combat the plastic pollution and minimize the plastic that enters oceans (eight million tons yearly), 290 Organizations Worldwide including Burberry, H&M, Zara and Stella McCartney have decided to clean their act. Other signees include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestlé.

UN Environment and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation have united their powers and created the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment to Reduce Plastic Pollution and eradicate sole-use plastic packaging which was long overdue as the fashion industry is world’s second polluter.

The targets for each company include:

1. All the organizations that signed the commitment have to eliminate single use of plastic packaging and move on to reusable packaging.
2. They have to be dedicated to recycling and use plastic packaging that can be effortlessly and safely reused/recycled or composted by 2025
3. They must find new methods to reduce plastic pollution.

The corporations are expected to report to the foundation every 18 months and will be held accountable for their plastic use.

Words: Vanessa Craus | Subbing: Lucija Duzel