The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), the British Fashion Council (BFC), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have launched the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) to champion circularity within the UK fashion and textile industry.
The network will bring together industry stakeholders, innovators, investors, academia, and a wider spectrum of interested parties to fast-track the UK's fashion economy into a leading position in the realm of circular fashion.
The CFIN will focus on six key areas:
• Circular business models: Reducing waste and overproduction through the incorporation of circular business practices and consideration of regulatory changes.
• Recycling infrastructure: Optimizing closed-loop recycling processes, forming partnerships, and laying the foundations for extended producer responsibility (EPR).
• Sustainable manufacturing: Achieving lower environmental impact by enhancing supply chain resilience, forging deeper connections between brands and manufacturers, and scaling digital traceability tools.
• Novel technology: Expanding and integrating innovative technologies that support circular fashion.
• Diverse and future-proof workforce: Upskilling the workforce and building a diverse and future-proof talent pipeline to address skills gaps.
• Green growth: Creating economically viable Circular Fashion Products, services, and intellectual property, while promoting responsible design, retail, and manufacturing.
The CFIN will be funded by a £1.8 million allocation from the BFC and UKFT. It will be overseen by an advisory board with representatives from a diverse range of businesses, academia, and NGOs.
The launch of the CFIN is a significant step forward in the UK's journey towards a more circular fashion industry. The network will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, and it is hoped that it will help to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
