Just back from the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) Sustainability Conference 2025 – Innovation in Action (at Drapers’ Hall (DH Venues) – what a fantastic building!)
What struck us most wasn’t a single presentation or statistic, but the feeling that we all know what needs to change.
We talk a lot about innovation, but the truth is: no company can solve this on their own. The waste, the emissions, the broken systems in fashion — they’re bigger than any one brand, supplier, or designer.
What we need now is collaboration that goes beyond polite panel discussions. Collaboration that feels uncomfortable. That means opening up processes, sharing data, even admitting when something didn’t work. Because every silo we protect slows us all down.
For us, this isn’t just theory. At two lives we’ve seen how upcycling deadstock fabrics and unsold garments into new collections only works when everyone — from brands, buyers, suppliers to creatives — pulls together. The benefits are real but so are the challenges.
The conference was a reminder: sustainability can’t stay a side project or a glossy report. It has to be the operating system of our industry.
So here’s our takeaway — let’s stop asking “who’s leading?” and start asking “who’s joining forces?”.
Thank you to everyone for putting together such an inspiring event – Adam Mansell and the whole UKFT team!
So good to hear first hand about all the pioneering innovations as well as the challenges we’re facing – Post Carbon Lab, LaundRE, AMPHICO, Gooddrop Ltd, Materra, Epoch Biodesign, SwitchDye, Fashion-Enter Ltd/ FashionCapital
