UK Research and Innovation has funded three complementary teams of researchers to help the fashion and textile industry integrate more sustainable and responsible practices.

The three projects are:

• The Back to Baselines in Circular Fashion and Textiles Network is being led by the University of Leeds. It will establish research-validated baselines to analyse the current status of sustainability practices in the industry
• Future Fibres Network is being led by the University of Exeter and aims to embed environmental sciences at the heart of fashion, wider apparel, and textile sectors, and establish systematic, circular and sustainable principles as the industry norm
• Led by Northumbria University, the IMPACT+ Network will assemble a cross-disciplinary team to improve the collation, analysis and assessment of data to advance the reliability and authenticity of environmental impact measures 

Adam Mansell, CEO of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), said: “Sustainable manufacturing and recycling infrastructure will be key drivers in the move to a circular fashion ecosystem here in the UK. We’re excited to work these partners to support our industry to connect, collaborate and share experiences to build the most resilient, sustainable and competitive sector for future generations.”

Funding of £6 million has been awarded by the Natural Environment Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Innovate UK, all part of UKRI.  This investment is a key part of UKRI’s £15 million Circular Fashion Programme.

UKFT SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION PROJECTS