Sojo, the digital-first B Corp fashion platform launched its Pledge to Repair initiative at the annual Institute of Positive Fashion forum last week, a call to reduce textile waste and increase fashion circularity through repair.
Born from a frustration over the lack of legislation within the UK’s fashion sector, Pledge to Repair seeks to form a coalition of brands committed to extending the life of the items they produce through Care & Repair.
Described as a ‘Deliveroo-style’ app for clothing repairs and alterations, Sojo acts to connect its users to local seamstresses or tailoring businesses to enable clothing repair and the avoidance of sending clothing to landfill.
The platform was founded in 2021 by Josephine Philips with the aim of increasing the longevity and circularity of consumers’ wardrobes while addressing the 13 million items of clothing that are sent to landfill or burned here in the UK each week.
With the launch of the Pledge to Repair at the British Fashion Council’s Positive Fashion Forum last week, Sojo aims to form an industry coalition that will lay a foundation for “more centralised data reporting” and an ability to “collectively push for legislative change – whether that be around Right-to-Repair, removing VAT from repair, or Extended Producer Responsibility.”
Founding signatories include partners already working with Sojo such as Ganni A/S and Nanushka. But the Pledge is calling on all brands and retailers currently offering nationwide repair services to join.
“It also calls on industry professionals interested in advocating for the implementation of repair to sign and gain access to a community and pathway for the implementation of such a key circular solution,” said Josephine in a post to social media. “We’re excited to start working with other incredible industry players like United Repair Centre to continue to grow the Pledge and help effect industry-wide change.”
Brands keen to support the movement for reducing textile waste in the fashion industry can sign up here.
In January this year, Sojo took up permanent residence in Selfridges in London, building out the department store’s own roster of circular services. It’s here that Sojo’s team of tailors will be available to offer advice on fit and adjustments to enhance a wardrobe, ranging from hem lengthening and shortening to upsizing and tightening the waist.Repair, resale, and rental are all combined in this new area of the store, which is part of a larger Reselfridges destination that aims to have 45% of transactions come from circular goods and services by 2030.
