ParalympicsGB Backs First-Ever Sustainable Apparel Charter

On International Day of Zero Waste, ParalympicsGB is proud be part of 5THREAD’s launch the Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter, the first verified, sector-led framework designed to tackle structural overproduction, underuse and disposal of sports apparel in the UK.

The Charter was co-created by a working group including ParalympicsGB, the Royal Yachting Association, British Triathlon, and British Gymnastics. Public signatories already include ParalympicsGB, British Triathlon, the Royal Yachting Association and British Mountaineering Council, with further organisations expected to join later this year.

While the global textile industry accounts for up to 10% of global emissions and generates around 92 million tonnes of waste annually, sports apparel operates under additional performance, sponsorship and branding pressures. In 2024, eight UK high-performance sports organisations procured more than 88,000 items of apparel, with contingency ordering reaching up to 30% in some programmes.

The news comes as ParalympicsGB has also been certified as a Carbon Neutral business by calculating and offsetting total reported emissions with verified carbon offsetting projects around the world.

Anna Scott-Marshall, Director of Communication and Social Impact at ParalympicsGB, said: “We are proud to be among the first signatories to the pioneering Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter and to now be fully certified as a Carbon Neutral Business.

“These milestones further embed our wider Sustainability Strategy, particularly our commitment to reducing demand on materials and creating a more sustainable ParalympicsGB kit and kitting‑out process and to accurately measure and offset our carbon emissions.

“We remain full committed to continuing to work alongside leading sports organisations to ensure we share best practice as we continue our ambitious sustainability journey while also championing climate adaptation and justice for all disabled people. ”

Structured around seven focus areas and 15 practical commitments, the Sustainable Apparel Charter supports organisations to reduce waste, extend the life of products, embed sustainability into tenders, share learnings and collaborate across all levels of sport. The Charter is designed to be delivered within two years, largely through low- or no-cost operational changes supported by verification and structured review.

_“This Charter provides the structure and support needed to move from intention to implementation, helping organisations make a real and lasting difference.” _Joanna Czutkowna CEO 5THREAD

Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager: “We’re proud to strengthen our commitment to reducing clothing waste by joining the Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter. It has also been a privilege to collaborate with colleagues from other leading sporting organisations and NGBs and we recognise that there is still much more to learn. We look forward to continuing this journey and to sharing our insights with the wider boating community”.

Beyond environmental impact, the Charter also addresses cost barriers to participation. Research shows that 87% of families experience financial pressure linked to sports apparel, while surplus kit can remain unused within sports organisations. By proritising reuse, usable apparel can reach communities rather than storage or landfill, reducing financial barriers to participation.

Organisations involved in sports apparel procurement can sign the Charter from today at 5thread.com/charter