Fashion

Plastic waste scandal: e-fashion sector is huge user of plastic bags, UK uses most in Europe

Published

4 days ago

April 1, 2025

Many consumers can’t have failed to notice the large and seemingly unnecessary amount of packaging that comes with online orders. So it’s no wonder that in the 10 years since the plastic bag levy was introduced in the UK, e-commerce waste is still driving billions of plastic bags to landfill, with Britain the worst contributor in Europe.

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To avoid undoing the progress of the levy, sustainable packaging company DS Smith is calling for legislation to evolve in line with e-commerce growth and for retailers “to speed up efforts to replace plastic bags”. It’s calling for urgent action from both retailers and government.

And now for some embarrassing numbers. Online fashion retailers delivered 941 million plastic bags to UK shoppers last year alone, equating to 2.6 million bags every day, widening the gap between high street and online retail in efforts to move away from plastic bags.

Online fashion retailers are also set to deliver seven billion plastic bags by 2030 to UK shoppers (130,000 an hour), with nearly one billion sent out last year alone just in the UK.

Only 9% of the fashion e-commerce bags delivered across the UK are currently being reused or recycled.

So 10 years on from the introduction of the levy (which has cut high street usage by 98% since 2015), e-commerce plastic bag use has rapidly increased and 91% of the billions of bags end up in landfill or incineration, equating to 857 million bags just last year.

The growth in e-commerce and slow progress on increasing recycling rates mean by 2030, over 1 billion plastic bags will end up in landfill or burned annually.

The UK is also revealed as the largest individual market for e-commerce plastic delivery bags among large European economies, according to analysis by Development Economics, and commissioned by DS Smith. Germany comes second.

Meanwhile, consumer polling shows that 67% of Britons want plastic bags phased out where replacements are available and 60% of shoppers say they prefer to receive their shopping wrapped in cardboard or paper.

Half of UK shoppers say they feel guilty about the amount of plastic their orders come in and think the responsibility to reduce the use of plastic sits with retailers (51%), packaging companies (44%) and government (24%). Almost half of shoppers (46%) say they’d be more likely to order from a fashion retailer that uses easily recyclable packaging.

Stefano Rossi, Divisional CEO Packaging at DS Smith, said: “With some of the biggest brands in the world, we estimate that we’ve already replaced more than one billion pieces of plastic over the last four years – but we must do more. While online shopping has grown, e-commerce retailers lag high-street stores when it comes to replacing plastic bags. Brands like Zalando have proved change is possible, but there is a blocker; there simply aren’t enough paper alternatives available and our industry needs to step up to provide them.

Rossi added: “It will be tempting for businesses to fixate on price, but sticking with plastic comes at a cost – consumers don’t want it, and brands risk their reputation by ignoring that. We think legislation can and should be more demanding of us all — phasing out certain plastics to help create a level playing field that encourages innovation, investment, and generates healthy competition to replace plastic.”

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Fashion

La Redoute collaborates with ambassador Louise Thompson for extensive SS25 edit

Published

11 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Maxwell Hart

Fashion and homewares brand La Redoute has launched its latest UK collaboration with the brand’s newest ambassador, author, podcaster and columnist Louise Thompson.

The reality show star (she originally appeared in Made In Chelsea) has become a popular lifestyle influencer in recent years.

The range brings together Thompson’s “unique aesthetic to life through an exclusive edit, blending effortless elegance with her distinct personal touch”.

And for an edit, it’s extensive, featuring 100 pieces across fashion and interiors offering both wardrobe essentials and homewares pieces.

Of the spring/summer fashion edit, there are 26 curated pieces “that transition through the seasons”. From pastel knit jumpers to blazers and ballet-style flats, and we’re told “each item reflects Louise’s effortless yet refined approach to dressing”.

The interiors edit comprises of over 70 homewares pieces, with staple wooden furniture, soft furnishings and decorative accents.

Sarah Link, marketing director at La Redoute, said: “Louise’s passion for style and clean-cut aesthetic is something which aligns perfectly with La Redoute’s ethos, which makes this collaboration such an idealistic one.”

The La Redoute x Louise Thompson edit is available online, with prices starting from £14.99.

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Fashion

London’s Westfield malls target 300k visitors for Eid celebrations

Published

12 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Maxwell Hart

Returning for a sixth consecutive year, both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City malls become the capital’s leading destination for the annual London Eid Festival.

Europe’s largest Eid al-Fitr celebration, it’s taking place until 6 April at Westfield London, followed by Westfield Stratford City (11-13 April), with the events expected to draw over 300,000 visitors across both weekends – “rivalling the footfall typically seen on Boxing Day at the centres”, operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield said.

Organised by Westfield Rise, its in-house media, brand partnerships, and experiential agency, the events span 4.2 million sq ft across indoor and outdoor event spaces. The festival features a mix of live entertainment, immersive brand activations, food markets, and international retailers from Turkey, Malaysia, Dubai, and beyond.

Westfield Square will host a main entertainment stage, showcasing appearances from community celebrities and VIPs. Inside, visitors can explore over 80 international concession stands across The Atrium at Westfield London and The Arena at Westfield Stratford City, offering everything from modest fashion and boutique gifts to children’s books and homeware.

Melanie Lalou, director of Westfield Rise, Northern Europe, said: “The London Eid Festival is a prime example of how Westfield Rise connects brands with communities through immersive activations. Our event spaces host everything from interactive pop-ups to large-scale cultural celebrations, with live entertainment, vibrant food markets, and striking creative displays across our digital OOH network. This festival highlights the power of experiential engagement, bringing brands and diverse audiences together in a meaningful way.”

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Fashion

Matalan in collab with Little Mistress and Vicky Pattison

Published

13 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Maxwell Hart

Fasahion/lifestyle retail group Matalan has launched a 27-piece collection in collaboration with fashion brand Little Mistress and TV personality Vicky Pattison.

She’s only the latest in a series of reality TV show stars to link up with a retailer on a signature collection. She rose to prominence originally on the Geordie Shore show.

We’re told it’s a collection that brings together “the best of on-trend designs with Matalan’s signature commitment to great quality fashion at affordable prices”.

From dresses and tailored jumpsuits to casual blouses and statement skirts, the collection covers a variety of day-to-night styles, “reflecting Pattison’s personal style”. It comes in “bold hot pink, fiery red, and playful florals”.

With prices starting from just £18 and in sizes from 8-22 the collection is now available in-store and online.

Matalan’s buying director, Laura Wiard said: “The collection reflects the latest trends, while ensuring we stay true to Matalan’s mission of providing stylish fashion at accessible prices.”

Mark Ashton, founder and MD at Little Mistress, added: “We’ve worked hard to create a collection that’s not only fashionable and versatile but also accessible for everyone. It’s all about empowering women to feel their best, no matter the occasion. We’re confident that this collection will resonate with customers and help them express their own unique style.”

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