University of Leeds

Scientists from the University of Leeds have developed SwitchDye, a novel polyester dyeing method that uses carbonated water to reduce chemical discharge and water waste. The approach lowers environmental impact, simplifies recycling, and supports more circular textile production by enabling dyes to be easily inserted and removed without requiring new industrial equipment.

The UK generates 3.26 million tonnes of textile waste each year, and half of it is non-fashion. says a new report. The finding challenges widespread assumptions that discarded clothing dominates the problem. The report identifies large flows from household interiors, uniforms, healthcare products and technical applications.

The UK is moving closer to building a closed-loop textile recycling system, with a major new report outlining how advanced sorting technology can transform waste into valuable resources. By mapping the steps from collection to high-quality fibre recovery, it highlights the coordinated action needed to cut landfill use and drive circular fashion growth.

A new study has challenged assumptions about fashion pricing and garment quality. Testing 47 t-shirts using industry standards, researchers have found no correlation between price and durability. Budget garments often outperformed designer ones, while synthetic fibre blends proved more durable than pure cotton. The findings support upcoming legislation requiring brands to declare durability metrics.

A new study from the University of Leeds highlights the regulatory gaps undermining eco-credential standards in the UK textile and fashion industry. It calls for stronger alignment with circular economy principles, enhanced consumer-focused policies, and better reporting systems to improve sustainability across the entire product lifecycle in the post-Brexit era.

New research shows that UK shoppers support small, visible Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) charges on clothing to fund textile recycling and promote sustainable fashion. Transparent communication and simple labelling could help drive a circular economy without deterring consumers from making purchases.

A new research report explores how UK fashion and textile companies are developing sustainable and circular practices, including their response to regulatory change associated with green growth and the transition to net zero. The study urged on the need to forge the business case for firms to invest in gathering detailed supply chain data to obtain product-level carbon footprints, as well as launch new circular business models.

A collaborative research by six universities has come up with ‘SWEET’ — inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles that shows that wearable electronic textiles can be both sustainable and biodegradable.

A plan to develop the UK’s first wetsuit recycling facility is among eight new projects funded by Future Fibres Network Plus. The neoprene recycling project is one of the eight mini projects newly funded by the network.

The lack of universal industry standard has prompted global retailer Primark to come up with its own Durability Framework that spells out guidance designed to encourage longer-lasting clothing across the fashion industry.