UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)

It’s great that these discussions around public procurement and British textile manufacturing are taking place at such a high level. Now we need to work with government to turn words into action Adam Mansell, Paul Daynes, Paul Alger MBE, Katie Robinson

UKFT has updated its guide on the EU’s removal of the de minimis exemption to reflect the latest developments. The updated guide now includes further information on the new Product Identifier (PID) requirements, including what businesses need to know and how they should prepare ahead of implementation. UKFT members can access the updated guide. Find out more by visiting: https://lnkd.in/ddQ4G64r Ava Kenny-Colwell, April Kelly, Rebecca Mars, Katie Robinson

Are you selling to France? France’s new legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the textile sector, with a particular focus on ultra-fast fashion practices, entered into force on 10 July 2026. We have published a new guide for members on the French Textile Environmental Regulation and Ultra-Fast Fashion, explaining the key provisions of the law, the requirements currently applicable, areas where further clarification is awaited, as well as actions businesses should consider. Find out more and how to get your copy here https://lnkd.in/edVi9z92 Ava Kenny-Colwell, April Kelly, Rebecca Mars, Katie Robinson, Paul Alger MBE, Dan Connolly

California's SB 343 (the ‘Truth in Recycling’ law) restricts the use of recyclability claims and the 'chasing arrows' recycling symbol on packaging unless the packaging meets California's recyclability criteria. For many UKFT members, this has meant producing California-specific packaging ahead of the 4 October application date that does not include the chasing arrows symbol, while continuing to use globally compliant packaging for other markets. 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/edfWX4kM

UKFT has published the sixth edition of its Regulation & Policy newsletter, which is available exclusively to members. This edition covers the latest policy and regulatory developments affecting the fashion and textile industry across the UK, EU and global markets. It also highlights UKFT's ongoing engagement with policymakers and international partners, alongside key information to help UK apparel and textile businesses understand and respond to the evolving regulatory landscape. 💻 This newsletter is available for UKFT members 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eP-gz_XQ Ava Kenny-Colwell April Kelly

Discover British Textiles in Shanghai this August! UKFT will be promoting UK industry at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics (25-27 August 2026) and Cinte Techtextil China (1-3 September 2026), highlighting the diversity of the UK industry, spanning heritage and luxury textiles, woven and knitted fabrics, technical and performance materials, natural fibres and specialist cloth, textile design and future-focused innovation. Visitors to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and CINTE Techtextil China are invited to meet UKFT and discover more about the companies, capabilities and specialist expertise within the British textile industry. 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ejHvER_X Dan Connolly Paul Alger MBE Katie Robinson Lauren Junestrand Leal (PhD) Messe Frankfurt UK Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Cinte Techtextil China

Yesterday we held a Compliance 101 webinar on how emerging obligations such as Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Forced Labour Regulations will impact UK fashion and textile businesses trading internationally. This webinar is now available to UKFT members to watch back on demand. Get in touch if you would like to access this, or our backlog of recorded webinars covering compliance, sustainability, business and more! Ava Kenny-Colwell April Kelly Elizabeth Dakin Katie Robinson Rebecca Mars

Calling innovators and brands 📢 👖 Denim hub LaundRE is hosting a day of curiousity on 30 July in London, with for space for innovators to showcase. It’s also an opportunity for brands which include denim in their collections to have a look round LaundRe and meet garment manufacturer Moseley Road. Find out more below… Salli Deighton, Iona Phipps, Lauren Junestrand Leal (PhD), Rebecca Mars, Katie Robinson, Tara Hounslea

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UKFT, visited Pembrokeshire label weaving company, National Weaving on 21 July 2026. The visit recognises the important contribution that British textile manufacturing continues to make to the UK economy and celebrates the innovation, craftsmanship and skilled workforce behind Britain's leading woven label manufacturer. During the visit, Her Royal Highness met owners Jake and Caroline Astley, along with their niece Jessica, who demonstrated textile design. The tour included the History Room, Weaving Room, Broadloom Department, Finishing Department and concluded in the Broadloom Room. Caroline Astley, said “It is such an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our factory. We are incredibly proud of our team and the craftsmanship that go into every product we make. Our thanks go to Her Royal Highness and UKFT for their continued support of British textile manufacturing and for making this visit possible." Paul Alger MBE, Director of International Business at UKFT, said: “Her visit to National Weaving is a welcome opportunity to recognise the specialist expertise involved in label weaving and the important role that garment labelling plays in every finished product. A label is far more than a finishing detail. It creates a valuable connection between a brand and its consumer, communicating identity, quality and provenance.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eFFNGe3F Katie Robinson Paul Alger MBE

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and a challenging trading environment for the global fashion industry, the June 2026 edition of Pitti Uomo demonstrated that Florence remains the world's leading marketplace for premium and luxury menswear, footwear and accessories. From 16-19 June, UKFT accompanied 45 British menswear brands to Pitti Uomo with the support from the Department for Business & Trade (DBT). The UK group saw an increase compared with the previous Spring/summer show, and represented one of the largest international country groups at the exhibition. The summer edition is always quieter for UK exhibitors than the winter. Despite this, the overall mood of UK exhibitors was generally optimistic, for the longer-term UK exhibitors are increasingly aware of the risk of disruption to business due to US and EU protectionism, ongoing challenges posed by Brexit and the increasingly tough economic climate. 🔗 Read the full report from Pitti Uomo (June 2026) here: https://lnkd.in/eG-wbuhw - Dan Connolly Paul Alger MBE