Toward Achieving National Capability: Ensuring a Circular and Sustainable UK Fashion and Textile Industry

This report is the fourth in a series commissioned by DCMS and AHRC. Collectively the reports consider the future policy conditions necessary for the UK to develop national capability to support new approaches to sustainable development in the F&T industry, including the creation of new circular economies capable of sustaining long-term economic growth.

At a time of substantial change in both the economic and legislative landscape for the F&T industry nationally and internationally, and with the global incentive of the climate crisis, the agility and strength of the UK’s industry is being tested. Recent national challenges such as Brexit and the pandemic have also altered the sector, but a large consumer base, innovation and a globally facing outlook have provided resilience, as the industry addresses sustainable development and circular economy demands.

Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this report considers the current position and necessary policy conditions for the UK to strengthen its capabilities for enabling sustainable development of the F&T industry, including the development of viable circular economies.