What is the London Textiles Action Plan? And Why It Matters to Us (And Hopefully, You Too)
At Scarlet Destiny, our journey has always been about more than just fashion. We’re here for the stories behind the clothes, for the material truths and the radical imagination it takes to rebuild an industry rooted in care, not consumption. Sustainability is not a “nice-to-have” or an empty buzzword in our world. It’s the foundation. It’s the reason we started. And it’s why we pay attention when something as bold and systemic as The London Textiles Action Plan enters the chat.
The London Textiles Action Plan (LTAP) is more than just another policy document. It’s a long-overdue intervention – a commitment to reshape the way we design, use, and dispose of textiles in one of the most influential fashion capitals in the world. And yes, it’s a call to action for every one of us who cares about a future where fashion doesn’t cost the planet.
So, what is the LTAP exactly? Launched by the Greater London Authority in collaboration with ReLondon, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and boroughs across the capital, this action plan lays out a bold vision for a zero-waste, low-carbon textile economy. It doesn’t just ask us to recycle more. It demands a reimagination of the entire lifecycle of what we wear — from how garments are made, to how long we keep them, to what happens to them when we’re done.
And because London is not just a city but a global tastemaker, the impact of these changes could ripple far beyond the M25.
The Three Pillars of Change
The plan rests on three core outcomes, each one a challenge to the status quo:
1. Make Things Well
This is a radical (and necessary) return to quality. From circular design principles to craftsmanship that endures, this pillar aims to support designers, makers, and businesses that embed sustainability into the DNA of their products.
2. Use Textiles for as Long as Possible
Clothing was never meant to be disposable. The plan encourages repair, reuse, rental, and sharing models — helping citizens fall in love with their clothes again (and for longer).
Scarlet Destiny is especially excited about one feature here: the Repair Voucher Scheme. If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know that we love anything that removes the barriers to extending a garment’s life. We’re thrilled that North London residents can now apply for a voucher to get up to 50% off repairs, a model that’s worked wonders in Austria and could change the culture of fashion maintenance across the UK. Apply for yours here.
3. Reuse and Recycle Non-Rewearable Textiles (Locally!)
The plan also prioritises keeping materials in use, investing in local recycling and sorting infrastructure to manage items that can't be reworn. No more shipping textile waste halfway around the globe. This is about closing the loop where we live.
Why It Matters to Us
We care about this plan because it reflects something we believe deeply: fashion can be a force for good — when we are honest about its harms and brave enough to change them. Scarlet Destiny was born out of a desire to shift fashion away from disposability and back into meaning. We care about where things are made, how they’re made, and why we continue to ignore their afterlife. The LTAP speaks directly to that mission.
It’s also part of what inspired us to begin writing our own blog. Every piece of content on this channel, including this post, is part of that journey: a living archive of knowledge, signposts, and sparks.
What’s Next?
The London Textiles Action Plan isn’t just policy — it’s a platform. For creators. For communities. For conscious consumers. And most importantly, for connection. It’s about joining the dots between what we wear and what we believe.
If you’re a brand, artist, school, repairer, collector, council, student, stylist or just someone trying to do a little better — there’s a place for you in this movement. You can apply to be part of trials, pilot new programmes, donate funding, or simply spread the word. The fashion industry will not change without effort — but with plans like these, and the passionate people behind them, change no longer feels impossible.
At Scarlet Destiny, we’re not just observers. We’re participants. This plan is not just about London — it’s about leadership. And it’s an opportunity for all of us to step up. We’ll be sharing updates on the repair voucher scheme, highlighting key players in the circular fashion ecosystem, and continuing to explore what sustainability actually looks like when it works.
In the meantime, here’s your friendly reminder: Love your clothes. Repair what you can. Share what you can’t. And let’s make things well — together.
Sources: relondon.gov.uk, therestartproject.org
Images sourced on canva.com