The Zara Pre-Owned platform is reported to be set to launch on November 3, and will be available through its stores, its website and a mobile app. The venture, which represents a first move into the resale market for Inditex, will enable shoppers to sell, repair or donate their secondhand clothes. Zara head of sustainability Paula Ampuero says the move will mean it reduces waste and use of raw materials. “At this stage the platform is exclusively conceived as a tool to hope customers extend the life of their clothing and take a more circular approach,” she told The Independent.
Climate Action Week
The news comes as the British Retail Consortium showcases a range of initiatives among UK retailers to cut carbon emissions as part of its Climate Action Week. The week is aimed at promoting its Climate Action Roadmap, which includes a pledge by more than 80 retailers to move themselves and their supply chains to net zero by 2040.
Among the initiatives highlighted are Morrisons work to reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain, starting with livestock management on farms, Asda’s work to reduce emissions through the use of biogas in its transport fleet and Tesco’s partnership with Olio designed to reduce food waste. Also in the spotlight are Screwfix’s work to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in its buildings, Radley’s work to eliminate waste from its manufacturing process, and Currys’ Love Live Your Tech repair initiative.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, says its roadmap helps retailers to share and encourage best practice in the industry. “With retail responsible for 30% of all household greenhouse gas emissions, the responsibility on the industry, and our opportunity to make a difference are enormous,” she says. “Unless we act quickly and decisively, the climate crisis will not be averted.”
Kerry McCarthy, Labour’s shadow minister for climate change, says: “British businesses and industries have the opportunity to lead the world on decarbonisation and benefit from the low-cost green technologies of the future. The British Retail Consortium’s Climate Action Roadmap is a great example of ambitious climate leadership and I hope it will inspire other industries to create and follow their own carbon reduction roadmaps.
“Labour will work closely with businesses to reduce their emissions, lower their bills and support them to adopt new green technologies.”
