Mark Sumner is the Programme Lead for WRAP’s activities to improve the sustainability of Textiles. His remit includes developing the strategy for Textiles 2030, the UK industry’s initiative to reduce GHG emissions and water footprint, and to create the pathway to a circular textile system. He is also involved in WRAP’s growing international Textiles work.

Mark has worked in the textiles and clothing industry for over 25 years. He has a PhD in Textile Engineering, and spent over 15 years working in product development, supply chain management and sustainability for the UK’s largest retailer. He also spent 10 years at the University of Leeds as a Sustainable Fashion lecture completing research in a wide range of specialisms including consumer behaviour, modern slavery, microfibres and garment durability.

Throughout his work in Textiles he has focussed on understanding the system dynamics of the textile and clothing industries to ensure solutions are sustainable and reflect stakeholder needs, and incorporate key frameworks such as the UN SDGs and Just Transitions principles.