Sustainability in Action
Solutions, lessons and definitions
The second UKFT Sustainability conference on 28 September in London built on the success of the 2022 event by providing clear, industry-relevant help and guidance specifically for the UK textile industry. The speakers offered advice on how to improve performance, measure and monitor progress, and communicate environmental credentials. The conference gave 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.
Scope & Audience
Sustainability is a very complex issue. It can also mean many different things with very different implications depending on the company type and where it sits in the supply chain. The first two conferences deliberately chose to focus solely on the UK textile manufacturing sector as its audience, rather than retail.
While not ignoring the impact of fashion retail on the planet, UKFT firmly believes that focusing on helping the textile UK manufacturing industry will deliver both meaningful and measurable impact. The sector is overlooked in most mainstream sustainability discussions but the rewards could be significant. Helping the textile manufacturing sector better understand, measure and market sustainability credentials will see the sector increase sales both at home and abroad, leading in turn to greater employment in the sector.
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In Pictures: The 2023 event
Check out some of the images from the Sustainability in UK Textiles conference on 28 September 2023
FIND OUT MORESustainability 101 series
UKFT launched the first edition of the new Sustainability 101 series of publications for UK textile manfuacturers, covering standards and certifications
FIND OUT MORETextile Technology bursary scheme
A bursary scheme will support students on the new Textile Innovation and Sustainability BSc course at the University of Leeds
FIND OUT MOREThe Textile Livery Group
12 Livery Companies of the City of London share a common aim to support skills and sustainable growth within the UK textile industry
FIND OUT MOREThe 2023 programme
Explore the Sustainability in UK Textiles 2023 Programme and find out more about speakers on the day
FIND OUT MOREWho will you meet?
Discover who attended the 2023 edition of Sustainability in UK Textiles here
FIND OUT MOREM&S Sourcing Director on Sustainability in the Supply Chain
Monique Leeuwenburgh, Director of Sourcing, Technology and Sustainability at Marks & Spencer, will outline the retailer’s progress against its environmental and social goals
FIND OUT MORELessons learnt from STeP by OEKO-TEX certifying sustainable UK textile manufacturing
Sudbury Silk Mills is the first UK textile manufacturer to be awarded the OEKO-TEX STeP certification
FIND OUT MOREAchieving B-Corp certification with Johnstons of Elgin
Leaders from Johnstons of Elgin will outline their journey, passing on useful advice for companies considering embarking on the same route
FIND OUT MOREInspired by aerospace: Moving John Smedley from craft to manufacture
Leaders from John Smedley will explain their journey of helping the longstanding knitwear manufacturer to tackle the issue of waste through production
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