BRC launches new guidelines to drive circular economy

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched new guidelines on selling second-hand items so that retailers can better adhere to and further circular fashion principles.

The guidelines emphasise the importance of quality checks, which clearly informs the customer of the item’s condition. BRC's guidelines also clarify that its aim is not to promote the circulation of perfect items, but to circulate all items, safe in the knowledge that both buyer and seller have the exact same level of information and expectation of their condition.

For clothing, footwear, homeware textiles, and other items, retailers can promote resale markets and platforms; use hire and rental subscription services; and offer product swaps, upcycling and repair schemes, instead of throwing away items.

The guidelines come as Oxfam celebrates its Second-Hand September, which encourages people to buy only second-hand items for 30 days in the month of September. It also recommends retailers work with charity retailers, who are always looking for good, clean stock to sell or donate to further their causes.

The BRC, who is already working with retailers on their journey to Net Zero through their Climate Action Roadmap, said its long-term goal is to limit, and ultimately end, the sending of items to landfill unnecessarily and to keep them in circulation for longer. Supported by over 80 major retailers, it is the Retail Industry’s commitment to reduce industry and supply chain carbon emissions to zero by 2040.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "We are delighted to launch our first voluntary Guideline on second-hand and preloved items. With more people looking for ways to shop sustainably, particularly as the cost-of-living rises, the sale of second-hand items in-store and online can encourage sustainable behaviours at affordable prices and take us one step further towards a circular economy.

"Retailers recognise the role they can play in helping their customers shop in more environmentally friendly ways, and we hope that this Guideline will help many on their sustainability journey."

Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Textiles and Fashion, added: "It is great to see retailers take responsible initiatives to deliver a more circular economy. This practical and detailed Guideline will support retailers, brands, and resell platforms to keep thousands of products in use for longer, an important move towards their aim and ambition to limit, and ultimately end, sending items to landfill. Parliament welcomes this guidance, and we hope to support more actions taken by retailers to further the circular economy in the future."