UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)

➡️ Here are 3 new opportunities in the industry in the UK at John Smedley Ltd, Montane Ltd and Abraham Moon & Sons For more information, you can visit the individual company websites, or visit the UKFT Futures job board below: https://lnkd.in/eH-ki6Aj

🎧 Episode 8 of UKFT’s ‘Grow your UK Fashion & Textile Business’ podcast is now live In this episode of Grow Your UK Fashion & Textile Business, Tara Hounslea (Director of Communications) is joined by Dr Lauren Junestrand Leal (PhD) (Innovation & Sustainability Network Manager) to explore the trends, technologies and partnerships driving change across the sector. From AI and digitalisation to next-generation materials and textile recycling, discover how UKFT is helping businesses navigate innovation, connect with the right partners and turn emerging ideas into practical opportunities. These are just some of the themes shaping this year's UKFT Sustainability Conference on 23 September, which will focus on Progress in Practice. Bringing together industry leaders by invitation, the conference will showcase the latest innovations driving a more sustainable UK fashion and textile industry, including bio-based materials, low-impact dyes and finishes, textile reuse and recycling, data-driven circularity solutions, and the next generation of traceability and transparency. New for 2026, the conference will feature a dedicated Textile Innovation Showcase, highlighting pioneering solutions, breakthrough technologies and emerging innovators shaping the future of sustainable textiles. 🎧 Listen to the podcast episode now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. https://lnkd.in/e6yGAYdz

The United States has introduced a new Section 301 tariff framework affecting imports from around 60 trading partners, with the new measures taking effect on 24 July 2026. To help UKFT members understand the new requirements, UKFT has published a new guide explaining the new Section 301 tariff framework, what the changes mean for UK exporters, how the tariffs apply to products from different countries of origin, the different tariff methodologies applying to key trading partners, including the UK and the European Union, and the steps businesses should take to assess the potential impact on their exports. UKFT will continue to monitor developments and update the guidance. 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eDM-cAbC

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