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Sustainability 101

Welcome to UKFT’s Sustainability 101 Series, which has been created to support and guide the sustainable development of fashion and textile manufacturing here in the UK. In order to meet the environmental, social and economic challenges of today and in the future, understanding sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity.

Throughout the series of guides and webinars, we’ll delve into the core principles of sustainability and what it means for our industry. It will explore the fundamental concepts and practices required to shape a more sustainable industry via simple guides and thought-provoking but practical webinars.

Whether your business is at the start of its journey or leading the way, UKFT’s Sustainability 101 series aims to empower the sector with knowledge, inspire positive actions and foster a collective commitment towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

These guides are available to UKFT members. To learn more about membership, visit here.

Issue One: A UK manufacturers’ guide to standards and certification

The first edition of the UKFT Sustainability 101 series focuses on standards and certifications, offering a comprehensive guide to standards tailored specifically for the UK manufacturing industry. Our goal is to simplify the certification journey, making it easier for you to navigate the diverse landscape of standards and identify the one most suitable for your business.

The guide now covers:

  • Wool and natural fibres
  • Organic fibres
  • Cotton
  • Chemical Management
  • Frameworks for responsible business
  • Ecolabels
  • Social audits
  • Environmental audits

Find out more here.

Issue Two: A UK manufacturers’ guide to green claims

The second issue of Sustainability 101 is focused on green claims and provides insights for UK fashion and textile manufacturers on making accurate and reliable statements about their sustainability practices. Green claims are statements that highlight sustainable aspects in products, services, or businesses. These claims are crucial for establishing transparency, fostering trust with customers, and enhancing brand reputation. Given the rising customer demand for sustainability and the need to comply with EU requirements and legislation in various export destinations, understanding and reporting on green claims has become more important than ever.

Key Guide Highlights:

  • Guidance on making and evidencing green claims.
  • Communicating and wording green claims in labels, packaging, and marketing materials.
  • Green claims requirements (legal and voluntary) existing in different parts of the world.
  • A checklist outlining crucial steps for businesses, whether they are just starting their green claims journey or already well underway.

 

Issue Three: A guide to human rights and environmental due diligence in supply chains

The third issue of the Sustainability 101 series focuses on due diligence in fashion and textiles. It explores the concept of due diligence, its history in business, information about existing and upcoming due diligence frameworks that could impact UK businesses. UKFT members can download their copy to find out more about tools and resources to implement due diligence into your business’ operations and supply chains.

The guide covers:

  • Guidelines on existing and upcoming UK, EU and global due diligence, modern slavery and forced labour laws
  • The origins and process of human rights and environmental due diligence in fashion and textiles
  • Essential tools, resources and consideration for UK manufacturers to implement due diligence into their operations

 

Upcoming editions

Further editions will follow providing industry insight into Human Rights Due Diligence, new legislation, dealing with audits and energy efficiency, as well as an updated guide to textile chemicals covered by UK/EU REACH.

 

Webinars

To accompany the Sustainability 101 guides, there are supporting webinars to expand on the topics covered. Currently, there are six webinars available for members to access:

  • Taking responsibility through standardisation: Deep dive into OEKO-TEX® certification
  • Unlocking the business value of certification with Textile Exchange’s tools
  • The Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook Masterclass: Shifting the narrative on Green Claims. With the UN Environment Programme
  • How to avoid greenwashing in fashion, with the CMA and Fox Williams
  • Understanding responsible supply chains in fashion and textiles, with the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
  • Introduction to Human Rights Due Diligence with Intertek and SLCP
  • Understanding Environmental Due Diligence and Tools for Compliance with amfori, Fox Williams and Worldly
  • EU Sustainability Legislations: What impact could it have on your business? With EURATEX
  • Complying with the UK and EU REACH (Registration , Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulations with Valpak
  • High-risk restricted chemical substances in the apparel and footwear sector with Intertek

UKFT Members: To receive a copy of the Sustainability 101, or a webinar recording, please contact sustainability@ukft.org.