A successful transition towards a sustainable, circular future requires commitment to change, continuous education, and the development of a skilled workforce that blends traditional craftsmanship with innovation, says a report by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT).
- As the UK aims to enhance its competitiveness through onshoring, sustainable transformation and digitalisation are crucial requirements for the textile and apparel manufacturing industry.
- Manufacturers stand at a pivotal crossroads, with significant opportunities to minimise their environmental impact while innovating towards circularity. By embracing circular principles, they can bridge the gap between concept and reality, making circularity a tangible outcome.
THE REPORT: The UK’s commitment to establishing a circular ecosystem necessitates that manufacturers take an active role in reducing material impacts, optimising product lifespans, and closing the loop, says the ‘Circular Manufacturing’ report that highlights the growing momentum behind circular manufacturing both domestically and globally.
- The report has been developed through the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN), an industry-led initiative by the UKFT and the British Fashion Council, in partnership with UK Research and Innovation. CFIN aims to accelerate the UK’s journey toward a fully circular fashion and textile ecosystem.
The report suggests seven key actions for textile and apparel manufacturers to reach circular manufacturing. Key priority areas:
ACTION 1. Embrace and integrate new technologies and innovations Manufacturers need to remain open to new circular technologies and innovations and be willing to experiment with them. This readiness will not only enhance their manufacturing capabilities but also drive the market towards sustainability.
Key actions:
- Pilot programmes for technology and innovation: Encourage the adoption of new technologies and innovations by running small-scale experimental programs and R&D projects, and supporting fit for purpose solutions.
- Investment in digital tools and technologies: Invest in tools and technologies and collaborate with supply chain stakeholders to digitalise supply-chains and improve data availability.
- Traditional skills: Utilise traditional skills (e.g. mechanical recycling of wool) to inform the development of innovative circular solutions for the industry.
ACTION 2. Embed transparency for circularity: Transparency from the textile and apparel manufacturing stage is essential for circularity. The facilitation of data such as manufacturing location, manufacturing process, fibre composition, trims, dyes and finishes, as an example, is key for circularity stakeholders.
Key Actions:
- Transparency standards: Develop protocols for full disclosure of material origin, composition, and chemicals used, among others.
- Traceability solutions: Adopt traceability solutions like blockchain for product transparency, including tracking origin, composition, and chemical use. Alternatively, input data to traceability solutions embedded by clients when asked to do so, to facilitate decision-making in regard to sustainability.
ACTION 3. Circular business models and solutions: Textile and apparel manufacturers can innovate their business models to maximise resource efficiency, optimise product life and create long-term value, which can also create new business opportunities and revenue streams.
Key Actions: Some examples of circular business models that can be incorporated in textile and apparel manufacturer business offer include:
- Repair and refurbish services: Offer in-house or partnered repair and refurbishment services.
- End-of-Life solutions: Create solutions that support recycling operations, both for own and external waste.
ACTION 4. Upskilling There is also an opportunity to upskill the current workforce in circularity and digitalisation. This applies to all skill levels, including C-suite.
Key Actions:
- Invest in internal workforce training (i.e. CPD course developed alongside University of Huddersfield on ‘Sustainable Practices in the Textile and Fashion Industry’).
- Work with academia to inform the development of futureproofing curriculum.
- Work with education and training providers to enhance students work experience in the manufacturing sector.
ACTION 5. Gateway to funding, research and development: To support research and development, textile and apparel manufacturers should stay aware of funding opportunities and potential research partners to enable this transition.
Key Actions:
- Government research bodies funding There are several textile research centres and research programmes in the UK, including centres at universities and other institutions to consider as a gateway for funding and research development.
ACTION 6. Foster cross-industry collaboration: Circularity at a scale can be reached only if businesses across the supply-chain come together and create a connected ecosystem. Hence, for a circular supply-chain, textile and apparel manufacturers must collaborate and exchange knowledge with stakeholders and build strong partnerships to support or manage circular strategies.
Key Actions:
- Partnerships and alliances: Partner with suppliers, recyclers and innovators, to co-develop innovative fibres, recycled yarns, and circular strategies.
- Stakeholder networks: Take part in industry-wide forums to exchange best practices, share insights, and co-fund sustainability initiatives.
- Cross-industry approach: Work with other industries (e.g., automotive or packaging) to find alternative solutions for circular textiles.
ACTION 7: Proactive approach towards the evolving sustainability and circularity policy landscape: As sustainability regulations continue to evolve in the UK, EU and globally, manufacturers must stay ahead of upcoming policies and requirements. This is particularly crucial for circularity-related legislation, as it directly impacts products and business operations.
Key Actions:
- Research the policy landscape: Stay updated on domestic and international sustainability laws and guidelines. Refer to resources like the UKFT Sustainability 101 Series for a clear and comprehensive overview of current and upcoming regulations.
- Standards and certifications: Recognise that many sustainability legislations require third-party verification through credible standards and certifications. Manufacturers can use this as an opportunity to adopt recognised certifications for products, materials, fibers, processes and services. Refer to the UKFT Sustainability 101 guide on Standards and Certifications for guidance on applicable certifications that can strengthen a business’s commitment to circularity.
TEAM: Written by: UKFT’s Lauren Junestrand, Innovation and Sustainability Network Manager; Sadikchya Singh, Sustainability and Innovation Executive; Tara Hounslea, Director of Communications. Designed by: Laura Tobin, Creative Executive.
ABOUT CFIN: CFIN is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via Innovate UK, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and will be aligned to the Institute of Positive Fashion, a partnership between BFC and UKFT.
- The programme has six main areas of focus: Recycling infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, circular business models, novel technology, diverse and futureproof workforce and green growth.
WHAT THEY SAID:
The UK textile and apparel manufacturing sector, with its significant socio-economic contributions, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in circularity- whether it is with the adoption of circular strategies and low-impact manufacturing processes but also enabling and supporting stakeholders across the supply chain — including designers, brands and retailers — in their circularity goals.
— Adam Mansell
Chief Executive Officer
UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT)
