Net-a-Porter launches Net Sustain - Platform to help customers identify environmentally friendly brands

Luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter has launched a one-stop shop for customers who want to buy sustainable and ethical products.

Called Net Sustain, the new platform highlights and celebrates brands which meet at least one of the business’ criteria for sustainability.

The attributes include "Locally Made" – when at least 50 per cent of a brand's products have been manufactured within their own community or country – "Craft & Community" - products that showcase exceptional, artisanal skills – and "Considered Materials" – products made from resources which take into account the welfare of people, animals and the environment.

The final two traits are "Considered Processes" – products made using environmentally conscious processes or technologies – and "Reducing Waste" – products and packaging that are made using upcycled materials.

The new section takes into account human, animal and environmental welfare and aligns with internationally recognised best practices in the fashion and beauty industries.

Launching with 26 brands and around 500 products, Net-a-Porter aims to include more designers to Net Sustain over time, with beauty brands scheduled to be added to the platform next year.

The section will also offer exclusive capsule collections from a number of popular sustainable brands, including Stella McCartney, Mother of Pearl and Maggie Marilyn – a favourite of the Duchess of Sussex.

Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director at Net-a-Porter, explained how the luxury retailer hopes its new platform will inspire positive change in the fashion industry.

"We have always wanted to provide our customer with the best products and allow them to make informed choices when shopping on the site," Von der Goltz said in a statement.

"Our sustainable edit provides our customers with the knowledge they need, understanding that they can trust that these brands have been carefully reviewed and meet our criteria for inclusion.

"Our aim is to give a voice to the brands that are truly making positive changes by providing them with a platform to highlight their best practice."

Net-a-Porter has been active in the sustainable fashion movement for some time, with the Yoox Net-a-Porter Group already committing to sourcing 100 per cent renewable power by 2020.

All of the retailer’s packaging is made from FSC certified cardboard and it has been a member of the international Fur Free Retailer Program since 2016.

The launch of Net Sustain follows the news that the UK government has rejected calls for fast fashion retailers to address their impact on the environment.

On Tuesday, the Government refused to accept any of the 18 recommendations set out by MPS on the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) regarding issues such as forced labour, environmental damage, and excessive waste in the industry.

Following the official response, EAC chair Mary Creagh accused the government of being "out of step" with the public mood.

"Fashion producers should be forced to clear up the mountains of waste they create," Creagh said.

"The government has rejected our call, demonstrating that it is content to tolerate practices that trash the environment and exploit workers despite having just committed to net zero emission targets.

"The government is out of step with the public who are shocked by the fact that we are sending 300,000 tonnes of clothes a year to incineration or landfill."