INTRODUCTION
The aim of this dissertation is to examine how the industries procedures influence
the consumer and impact the environment. This will be achieved by investigating
and developing an understanding of High Street stores current policies on recycling
their plastic and cardboard packaging waste. By exploring these processes it will
identify the impact high street retailers, manufacturers and consumers are having on
landfill sites, due to the way they dispose of plastic and cardboard products; whether it is through the correct recycling procedures or not. The industry has shown an
obligation towards the reduction, reuse and the recycling of clothing, with a gradual
concern for wastage in terms of packaging throughout importation and exportation,
delivery to stores, and home deliveries to consumers.
The research objectives are to look back at the process of recycling and how this has
been impacted by both the government and local councils. Next exploring how companies are furthering their research and supplying recycled materials and developing
new fibres that could be used within plastic and cardboard packaging usage reduction. How have other sustainable changes been set into other industries and proven
to be a success. Alongside which companies are now currently using and encouraging recycling processes into their companies. The focus being H&M, Levi’s, M&S
and John Lewis looking at how sustainability is a key element and commitment for
the company. And finally consumer awareness, how they understand the recycling
process, what impact they are having and what more can be done in the future.
WRAP (2015) found that in the UK 2.4 million tonnes of packaging waste was generated, discovering that 40% of this was plastic packaging waste; 1.7 million tonnes
of this was coming from households. A shocking statistic effecting the environment
we live in. The initial influence fluctuated after an experience first-hand within a
high street store, posing as a style advisor. The discovery of over packaging goods,
consequently wasting materials influenced a trail of thought as to how the fashion
industry’s get involved and influence their consumers to assist ethical and sustainable companies to lower this shocking figure. Does the problem have to develop into
a global occurrence so that law legislation has to gain control over the situation and
create a new law.
The audience for this dissertation would be High Street Fast Fashion Companies,
industry experts such as The Ethical Fashion Forum, and Local Councils and recyling companies speciali sing in the improvement of recycling and educating retailers,
manufacturers and consumers about the future of recycling. The research gained
will be beneficial to the company to adapt to better recycling procedures. In order
to eradicate the questioned hidden methods exposed by recent media. It will also
improve the consumers understanding of the importance behind recycling and what
significant effects can be achieved as a society.
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