United Kingdom

Scientists from the University of Leeds have developed SwitchDye, a novel polyester dyeing method that uses carbonated water to reduce chemical discharge and water waste. The approach lowers environmental impact, simplifies recycling, and supports more circular textile production by enabling dyes to be easily inserted and removed without requiring new industrial equipment.

Climate action NGO WRAP has unveiled a new UK Textiles Pact Roadmap to fast-track circularity and environmental progress across the industry. Despite per-tonne cuts in carbon and water use, soaring production volumes and linear business models threaten to erase those gains. The Roadmap strengthens collaboration, targets upstream emissions, and supports policy reforms for a resilient circular future.

Climate action NGO WRAP is extending its Durability Accelerator Initiative beyond the UK to test whether clothes sold by major brands truly last under everyday use. Following pilot studies that questioned links between price and longevity, the programme will benchmark garments across North American and European markets, pushing for tougher, evidence-based durability standards in fashion.

The UK generates 3.26 million tonnes of textile waste each year, and half of it is non-fashion. says a new report. The finding challenges widespread assumptions that discarded clothing dominates the problem. The report identifies large flows from household interiors, uniforms, healthcare products and technical applications.

The UK is moving closer to building a closed-loop textile recycling system, with a major new report outlining how advanced sorting technology can transform waste into valuable resources. By mapping the steps from collection to high-quality fibre recovery, it highlights the coordinated action needed to cut landfill use and drive circular fashion growth.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed on Thursday, removes steep tariffs on Indian exports of textiles, apparel, leather and footwear. With duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods, the deal unlocks significant growth for manufacturers across sectors. Exporters expect major gains in UK market share, driven by price competitiveness and improved supply chain efficiency.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association has released a comprehensive Code of Conduct template for members, designed to help fashion and textile businesses establish ethical, social and environmental standards. This exclusive resource provides structured guidance for companies to develop tailored codes that reflect their values and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

Asos is under scrutiny for banning customers deemed to be overusing its free returns service, sparking debate about the viability of online fashion’s long-standing business model. While the retailer defends its decision as necessary to maintain service standards, critics argue it exposes deeper flaws in the digital shopping experience and its environmental and financial sustainability.

The UK is preparing to turn its textile waste crisis into an economic opportunity with a proposed national recycling hub. Backed by industry and government partnerships, the initiative is projected to create jobs, cut waste management costs, and advance circular economy goals. The plan includes advanced sorting facilities and chemical recycling to tackle over a million tonnes of textile waste annually.

Supply chains today face unprecedented risks—from cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions to supplier insolvency and logistics disruptions. Insights from the Supply Chain Risk and Resilience Summit reveal why businesses must embrace proactive planning, invest in risk assessments, and prioritise supplier collaboration to navigate the shifting dynamics of global trade and resilience.