UKRI pledges £6m to boost sustainable fashion

This week saw the announcement of a £6m research investment geared towards supporting the fashion and textile sector in its quest to reach net zero.

The worldwide fashion industry's energy consumption surpasses that of both the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Though the fashion and textile sector plays a pivotal role in the UK economy, contributing approximately £21bn annually, it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

On a global scale, this industry accounts for about eight per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions and 20 per cent of wastewater. Moreover, it consumes more energy than both the aviation and maritime industries combined.

Thanks to a fresh funding allocation from the UK Research & Innovation’s (UKRI) £15m circular fashion initiative, three collaborative research networks will cooperate with the industry. Their aim? To amass a wealth of data and insights, all the while aiding the transition towards circular business practices.

These networks include Leeds University's 'Back to Baselines in Circular Fashion and Textiles Network', which intends to set a benchmark to evaluate the sector's current sustainability measures.

Exeter University is leading the 'Future Fibres Network', targeting the institutionalisation of sustainable and circular principles in the sector. Meanwhile, the 'IMPACT+ Network' spearheaded by Northumbria University focuses on refining data collection and assessment to enhance dependable environmental impact evaluations.

Professor Peter Liss, the acting executive chair of the Natural Environment Research Council (a division of UKRI), commented, “The fashion sector is undeniably pivotal to the UK, yet it has profound environmental ramifications, from water usage to greenhouse gas emissions. It's crucial to fully grasp these impacts. This funding infusion will unite industry specialists and researchers across environmental science and fashion domains, embedding sustainability within the fashion and textile sector.”

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, remarked, “To sustainably expand businesses amidst such transformative times necessitates platforms, backing, and coordination. We eagerly anticipate joining hands with both the industry and government, ensuring the UK upholds its stature as global creative pioneers. Together, we'll bolster our capacity to collaboratively propel the UK to the forefront of a Circular Fashion Eco-System.”