Sustainability in Action: Solutions, lessons and definitions

The second UKFT Sustainability conference on 28 September 2023 in London will build on the success of the 2022 event by offering guidance and advice on how to improve performance, measure and monitor progress, and communicate environmental credentials. The conference will give 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.

Programme subject to change.

• 9am: Registration and coffee
• 10am: Welcome & Introduction – Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT
• 10.10am: Sustainability in the supply chain – Monique Leeuwenburgh, Director of Sourcing, Technology and Sustainability at Marks & Spencer
• 10.40am: Achieving B-Corp certification with Johnstons of Elgin
• 11.10am: Launching UKFT’s Sustainability 101 series and special guest
• 11.15am: Coffee break, networking and opportunity to learn about current government-funded projects
• 12:00pm: Lessons learnt from OEKO-TEX STeP certifying sustainable UK manufacturing with Sudbury Silk Mills
• 12.40pm: Does certification drive business? Panel discussion covering the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), B-Corp and OEKO-TEX
• 1.15pm: Lunch and opportunity to learn about current government-funded projects
• 2.30pm: Winning sustainability strategies – establishing a roadmap for change
• 3.10pm: An analysis of new fibres, their sustainability criteria and their practical application in UK manufacturing – University of Leeds
• 3.50pm: Coffee break, networking and opportunity to learn about current government-funded projects
• 4.10pm: Inspired by aerospace: moving John Smedley from craft to manufacture
• 4.50pm: Closing remarks, review of upcoming legislation and next year’s theme – Nigel Lugg OBE, Chairman of UKFT
• 5.00pm: Drinks

Are you a leader in UK textile manufacturing? To register your place, please contact info@ukft.org