Powering the circular economy through partnership

 

Textile collectors, sorters, graders, mechanical recyclers, upcyclers and recycling innovators – your role in the circular economy is essential.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) invites you to be part of the UK’s most comprehensive network driving sustainable change from fibre to final lifecycle. Together, we can close the loop on textiles by bridging the gap between production and reuse.

This new category of membership aims to support businesses in the textile reuse and recycling sector by providing tailored resources, strategic guidance and advocacy to promote circular fashion solutions.

UKFT’s work with ACT UK (Automatic-sorting for Circularity in Textiles) and CFIN (Circular Fashion Innovation Network) has laid a strong foundation in advancing circularity within the UK fashion and textile industries. Through these projects, UKFT has built an extensive network of stakeholders committed to rethinking waste and fostering innovation in material reuse. UKFT has also recently launched a new partnership with the Textiles Recycling Expo to drive greater collaboration between industry players, policymakers and sustainability advocates.

“By opening up our membership to the Reuse and Recycling sector, we are reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility and business growth for the entire fashion and textile supply chain here in the UK,” said Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT. “This new category is designed to equip members with the tools, knowledge and networks needed to thrive in an evolving industry.”

Why join UKFT?

As a UKFT member, you will gain a powerful platform to:

• Connect with manufacturers, designers and brands seeking sustainable end-of-life solutions.
• Collaborate with retailers, charity shops, local authorities and HWRCs to keep textiles in use and out of landfill.
• Access material flows and partnership opportunities across the supply chain.
• Elevate your voice in national policy and industry dialogue shaping the future of circular fashion.
• Showcase your expertise and solutions to a growing network of forward-thinking businesses.

The UKFT advantage

We are the largest fashion and textile network in the UK, championing innovation, sustainability and growth. UKFT brings together:

• Leading brands, designers and manufacturers
• Educators, suppliers, retailers and recyclers
• National and local government bodies
• The most influential sustainability projects in the UK, including:

• • ACT UK – pioneering automated sorting of post-consumer textiles
  • CFIN – Circular Fashion Innovation Network developing infrastructure and EPR readiness

Exclusive membership benefits

Expand your knowledge

• Personalised business support: Members receive dedicated business advice and guidance from the UKFT team and our industry specialists in areas including Business Strategy, Sustainability and Environmental, Compliance, Skills and Training, HR and Employment, and Funding, ensuring they remain competitive in the dynamic textile reuse and recycling sector.
• Industry resources: Exclusive access to reports, market insights and guides which keep members informed about best practices, compliance requirements and emerging trends in textile reuse and recycling.
• Webinars & conferences: Members gain priority access to industry events, roundtables and a library of past recordings on a wide range of topics.

 

Elevate your profile

• Influence industry policy: UKFT represents members’ interests to government and industry at national and international levels, influencing policies and regulations to support the growth of textile reuse and recyclinginitiatives. We maintain strong relationships with DEFRA, WRAP, Textiles 2030, the Environment Agency and European policymakers to support the sector. This allows us to keep our members informed about expectations while ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered.
• Join key campaigns and projects: Engage in strategic projects that promote sustainability and circular business models.
• Industry exposure: Showcase your business through UKFT’s platforms, newsletters and social media to establish credibility as a leader in sustainability and circular fashion
• Innovation and sustainability projects and opportunities: Members gain insights and opportunities to participate in sustainability projects that advance textile reuse and recycling, such as the Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN).

Grow your network

• New connections: We help members make new connections across the industry and throughout the UK through our broad network, links with our Education Partners and access to a range of services through our Associate Partners
• Exclusive events: Discounts and invitations to member-only networking events to connect with businesses across the UK fashion and textile supply chain, including collectors, sorters and recycling innovators.
• Specialist services: Access to trusted Associate Partners which include specialists in global logistics covering including sea freight consolidation and supply chain optimisation, legal issues, compliance and testing, and more.
• Central London spaces: Discounted rates on meeting, showroom and boardroom spaces.

Shape the future of textile reuse and recycling

Businesses can also apply to join the Reuse and Recycling Advisory Group to play a key role in shaping policies and the future of textile reuse and recycling.

“By joining the Reuse and Recycling membership, businesses can stay competitive, connected and at the forefront of textile sustainability,” added Adam Mansell. “This new area is a catalyst for positive change, helping our members drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the fashion and textile industry.”

Membership prices are weighted to business turnover, starting at just £465 per year for those with a turnover of up to £250,000. Discover the full rates here.

To join the Reuse and Recycling Division, complete the application form below and email to reuseandrecycling@ukft.org.

*Please download the form before completing

UKFT Reuse & Recycling Membership Application form 2025

What the members say

“We are proud to join UKFT and be part of this reputable network. Collaborating with industry leaders strengthens our commitment to driving sustainability and innovation in the textile industry, accelerating meaningful change in recycling, reuse, and responsible production.”
— Roberts Recycling

View the UKFT core membership benefits:

 

UKFT Core Membership