Dr Mark Wade will share insights from a pilot sustainable strategy development programme in the Yorkshire textile industry at the upcoming Sustainability in UK Textiles conference on 28 September in London.

Organised through the Textile Centre of Excellence, the initiative provides a roadmap for integrating sustainability into core purpose, strategy and operations for 10 UK textile companies based in and around the Yorkshire region. It aims to deliver competitive advantage in response to consumer, regulatory and climate drivers through a combination of online learning, company visits and bespoke support.

Companies including Camira, English Fine Cottons, Wools of New Zealand, AW Hainsworth,Harrison Spinks, Wooltex, WT Johnson and Antich & Sons came together to share pre-competitive learning at workshops and explore circular economy opportunities.

In his presentation at the Sustainability in UK Textiles conference, Dr Mark Wade will share learnings from the first programme, offering reflections on the wider industry challenges. He will outline some of the actions and outcomes from the programme and next steps.

“The programme showed that companies of whatever size, governance or market can rise to the challenge using a structured approach of simple tools and steps to progress along a proven roadmap of continuous improvement,” says Dr Wade.

“We believe that all companies can make progress in embracing sustainability responsibilities authentically, and so be better equipped to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.”

SUSTAINABILITY IN UK TEXTILES 2023

Solutions, lessons and definitions

The second UKFT Sustainability conference on 28 September in London will build on the success of the 2022 event by providing clear, industry-relevant help and guidance specifically for the UK textile industry. The speakers will offer advice on how to improve performance, measure and monitor progress, and communicate environmental credentials. The conference will give a clearer overview of the relevant environmental merits (or otherwise) of various fibres and certification schemes and an outline of the current landscape for sustainability legislation.

Registration is now open for leaders in UK textile manufacturing. Space is limited so unfortunately we are unable to offer places for stakeholders from the wider UK textile industry. If you are from a business manufacturing textiles in the UK and wish to apply for a place, please contact info@ukft.org

SUSTAINABILITY IN UK TEXTILES 2023

About the speaker

Dr Mark Wade is a renowned expert in corporate sustainability and sought after advisor and facilitator of senior executive teams and multi-stakeholder events.

His work is born from his pioneering experience in Shell as a founder member and Head of Sustainable Development Strategy, Policy & Reporting and Director of Sustainability Learning in the period 1997-2006.  Until his retirement from Shell, Mark was Shell’s Liaison Delegate to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. He has since served as an independent advisor and facilitator of programmes for the WBCSD, the International Council on Mining & Metals, Chair of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s European Beachheads Board and as sustainability advisor. He was a founder member of the Academy of Business in Society, and long-standing advisor to the international student organisation OIKOS. He continues at the forefront of the debate on global talent development.

He now works with senior executives in major corporations, SMEs, and institutions, worldwide helping them understand the operational and strategic importance of sustainable development and guiding individual and organisational change.

He is currently engaged by the Textile Centre of Excellence in mentoring a further 10 Yorkshire textile and fashion companies through a sustainability Strategy Development programme.