Burberry Gives Back Leftover Fabrics So Designers Can Put Them To Good Use

It’s no secret the fashion industry is one of the largest causes of pollution, making up 10% of the entire globe’s carbon emissions. Plus, the United Nations has noted that nearly 85% of all textiles purchased end up in landfills annually.

In an effort to combat this wastefulness, Burberry launched the ReBurberry Fabric Program in 2020, partnering with the British Fashion Council (BFC) to donate leftover fabrics to fashion students within the UK. 

The BFC, through its Institute of Positive Fashion and BFC Colleges Council, aids the brand in ensuring its surplus textiles reach the hands of up-and-coming designers in a show of practical support for future talent. 

Now, in its latest announcement, the luxury fashion house is expanding its reach, and has continued with a second donation, of which a total of 12,000 meters (7.5 miles) of fabric was donated to more than 30 institutions. 

By being a champion for a greener space in fashion, Burberry hopes the program “encourages the next generation to consider new ways of thinking about their creative methods and material sourcing, and gives them the opportunity to develop tomorrow’s approach to fashion design and production.” 

“We are committed to supporting the next generation of exciting creatives while ensuring we all do what we can to protect the environment,” said Nicole Lovett, Responsibility Program Director at Burberry. 

“We’re proud to be working with the British Fashion Council once more to help emerging diverse talent achieve their ambitions, while reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices and circularity. By equipping students with these materials and tools to help their creativity thrive, we can all create a better future for our industry.” 

[via Design Scene and British Fashion Council, cover image via FabioConcetta | Dreamstime.com]