The UKFT has identified seven key priority areas for textile and apparel manufacturers to achieve circularity.

January 21, 2025

A report on circularity from the UKFT says circular approaches to apparel and textile manufacturing are on the rise but not nearly at the pace they need to be to achieve the industry’s climate goals.

While new business models are emerging to support product reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling and new technologies that can reduce environmental impact are becoming more widely available, true circularity can only be achieved when all the stakeholders in the industry work together to identify key challenges and to innovate, test and scale new ways of developing, producing, using and recycling textile-based products, the UKFT says in its report.

But with regulations coming into play requiring apparel and textile manufacturers to operate more sustainably and to accept accountability for happenings in their supply chain with regards to product manufacture, closer attention will need to be paid to circularity.

In its Circular Manufacturing Report, The UKFT has outlined seven objectives for the textile and apparel sector to achieve circularity.

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:

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• Pilot Programmes for Technology and Innovation: Encourage the adoption of new technologies and innovations by running small-scale experimental programmes 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.

2. Embed transparency for apparel 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.

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 offers 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.

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.
• 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.

5. Gateway to funding, research and development

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 gateaway for funding and research development.

6. Foster cross-industry collaboration

Circularity at a scale can be reached only if businesses across the apparel and textile 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.

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.
• 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, fibres, processes and services.