Watch: Exploring automation and robotics for UK fashion and textile manufacturing

UK retailers, brands and manufacturers came together in May 2024 at the MTC in Coventry to explore how automation and robotics could enhance existing UK manufacturing capacity, as part of an initiative through the sustainable manufacturing focus of the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN).
The event was held at MTC in Coventry, and attended by brands and retailers including Stella McCartney, Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood and the Pentland Group (Berghaus, Speedo, Ellesse and more). UK manufacturers and suppliers were represented by leaders from businesses including AE Sewing Machines and the British Footwear Association, through to Fashion Enter, MAES London, Self Made Studios and LLUK.
Lauren Junestrand-Leal, UKFT’s Innovation and Sustainability Network Manager, said: “Many retailers, brands and manufacturers aren’t aware of the current and future developments in automation and robotics for fashion and textile manufacturing, but they see the potential. Adopting this type of technology could unlock the potential for UK reshoring, and upskilling and decarbonisation in manufacturing settings, with a focus on high-value, low-volume manufacturing. We were delighted to bring together key players in this field for a day of discussion and collaboration to explore these opportunities together.”
The event was part of CFIN, co-chaired by UKFT and the British Fashion Council,, and funded by Innovate UK, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) & Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It has six key areas of focus:
- Recycling Infrastructure
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Circular business models
- Novel technology
- Diverse and future-proof workforce
- Green growth
Find out more about UKFT's innovation and sustainability activity for the UK fashion and textile industry at www.ukft.org/innovation