Future Fibres Network Plus February Newsletter

Dear subscribers,

Welcome to our February newsletter. We have a bumper issue of news and events for you from across the Future Fibres Network of partners and we hope you enjoy reading about them.

Meanwhile, Dr Max Kelly from our University of Plymouth team has been travelling around the UK interviewing the teams involved in our eight NERC funded mini-projects.  These videos will become available over the next few weeks: keep an eye on our socials (links are below).

If you would like to promote an event please do get in touch at ffnplus@exeter.ac.uk.

With warm wishes

Tamara 

Tamara Galloway is Professor of Ecotoxicology at The University of Exeter

Extent of microfibre pollution from textiles to be explored at new research hub

A newly established research hub in North East England will explore the extent and environmental impact of microfibre loss from textiles.

Located on Northumbria University’s campus in the centre of Newcastle, the Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research Hub (FibER Hub) is the result of a collaboration between the University and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and will extensively test a wide variety of fabrics to determine the level of microfibre loss under different conditions and the associated environmental impacts.

The FiBER Hub has been developed as part of the IMPACT+ project – a multi-disciplinary network of academics and industry experts, set up to challenge the way environmental impact is measured and assessed across the fashion and textile industries.

Visit the Northumbria University Research Portal to find out more about Dr Alan James and Dr Kelly Sheridan's research.

Fragmented Fibres Symposium 

This event marks the completion of an EPSRC-funded research project, delivered by the UK Research and Innovation, awarded to the School of Design - University of Leeds at the University of Leeds and led by Professor Muhammad Tausif, to raise awareness of fibrous microplastic (FMP) pollution among consumers and help the fashion and textile industry to gauge the impact of existing products in the supply chain.

Working together with The Microfibre Consortium and the internal team at the University of Leeds, data and insights from the project will be used to liaise with lobby groups and legislators to inform future policy.

This symposium brings together the research held at the School of Design - University of Leeds and LITAC on ‘Fragmented Fibres’ in collaboration with academic and industry partners across the world. It will deliver industry-backed insight on how best to quantify and combat fragmented fibre pollution.

When: Wednesday, March 12 · 10am - 2pm GMT
Where: You can attend in-person (places highly limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis) at the Glass Studio, School of Design, University of Leeds, or online via Microsoft Teams.

How to register:

▪️ In-person delegates must register via Microsoft Forms: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qO3qvR3IzkWGPlIypTW3y0RYOvFJJbtCpzAzRmnwukhUNFlFOFdWOVhUSlJYVFlXR0M4Q0tJQTFQUS4u

▪️ Online delegates must register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fragmented-fibres-incl-microplastics-symposium-tickets-1228121667969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Launch of The Microfibre Roadmap v2.0

The Microfibre Roadmap sets the strategic direction and pace of activity for working on The Microfibre 2030 Commitment: a common ambition to reduce fibre fragmentation from textiles to the natural environment by 2030.

Initially published in 2021, the need for an updated revision to reflect our greater topic understanding and current industry needs became clear early last year. After a thorough industry consultation, the ambition remains the same but as we approach 2030, the specific steps required have become clearer.

The Microfibre Consortium will be sharing an updated path toward mitigating fibre fragmentation from textile design, development and manufacturing. 

📅Date: Wednesday 26th February 2025
⌚Time: 4pm-5pm (GMT) / 5pm-6pm (CET)
📍Location: Online

➡️ Register to attend here

Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference

This two-day business conference targets forward-thinking leaders in the apparel and textiles industry, bringing together a variety of stakeholders to focus on essential strategies for tackling today’s challenges. Attendees will be equipped with actionable insights and guides for adapting operations to create a real impact amid growing competition and scrutiny, all while managing tight budgets. This event will take place from 29th - 30th April 2025 in Amsterdam. More information can be found here. 

Transforming textile waste: Textiles Recycling Expo

This ground-breaking exhibition is the first of its kind, focusing specifically on solving the pressing issue of textile waste, including the recycling of fabrics, clothing, footwear, fibres and non-wovens. The event will take place in Belgium on 4-5 June 2025. TEXTILES RECYCLING EXPO - Brussels Expo

LITAC -International Textile and Colour Conference

The inaugural International Textiles and Colour Conference, which takes place at the University of Leeds on 25 June, has extended the deadline for abstracts to 28 February 2025. The conference, which is organised by Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC), will focus on strategies, technologies and innovations to enable the sustainable development of textile and colour industries across associated supply chains. Abstracts are invited across a range of subjects – for more information, please see Call for Abstracts | ITCC 2025.

FUTURESCAN Conference

The Association of Fashion and Textile Courses is holding its FUTURESCAN conference at De Montfort University in Leicester on 9/10 September 2025.  For information visit: FTC | Futurescan: 6

Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC) 2025 - Fibre to Future: Transforming Fashion and Textiles through Sustainability and Digitalisation

The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC) 2025 will be hosted by AQUITEX and take place from 7 – 10 October 2025 at Porto Palácio Congress Hotel and Spa, Porto, Portugal. 

The conference will explore cutting-edge approaches to addressing sustainability challenges, from the environmental impact of textile production to the development of circular economies. It will showcase innovative digital technologies that enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across the entire supply chain—from fibre production and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life solutions.

Key discussions will focus on strategies to accelerate the textile industry’s transition towards sustainable practices and digital transformation. With insights from leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers, the event will highlight actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and embracing zero-carbon solutions in line with global sustainability goals.

Abstract submission deadline is 28 February 2025. 

Submission Abstracts should be submitted to papers.tiwc25@aquitex.pt

Free Repair Workshops and Repair Week 3-9 March

IMPACT+ are hosting a series of repair workshops in collaboration with local charity, St. Oswald's Hospice. The first two workshops were held to up-skill volunteers at the charity. The final workshops will focus on skill sharing. Exploring darning, embellishment and sashiko. They are free and open to the public. Originally started by ReLondon in 2020, and now with events across other UK cities, this celebration of culture is designed to inspire people to think creatively about repair, sustainability, and the joy of giving old items a new lease on life.

On Thursday 6 March, ReLondon is hosting a webinar from 2pm -3pm, to explore the powerful role of repair in helping people save money, gain skills, make connections in their community and reduce consumption and waste.  Register here... Spaces are limited.

Future Observatory: Tomorrow’s Wardrobe

14 SEPTEMBER 2024 – AUGUST 2025

Discover the urgent research and innovation taking place to design a future for fashion that is both stylish and sustainable. Tomorrow's Wardrobe brings together a diversity of designers from across the fashion industry who are revolutionising the way we create, make, and wear clothes – including exhibits from friends of Future Fibres – Project Plan B and Dr Laetitia Forst.  Professor Kate Goldsworthy supported the exhibition as curatorial advisor alongside Jalaj Hora (Nike) and Susan Postlethwaite (Manchester Metropolitan University). More information here. 

PLATE (Product Lifetimes and the Environment Conference)

This event will take place at Aalborg University in Denmark from 2-4 July.  More information can be found here.

To keep up-to-date with Future Fibres Network+ latest events, go to the website, www.futurefibresnetworkplus.com, follow us at @futurefibresnetwork+ or to sign up to our newsletter register here.

Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn to hear about the network's latest events throughout the UK.  We have recently moved from X to Bluesky. 

The Future Fibres Network+ newsletter is published monthly. 

Email ffnplus@exeter.ac.uk to join our mailing list and network.

Do you have any news, an event or paper you would to promote? Email the details with any links or images to: ffnplus@exeter.ac.uk by 20 March.

For the latest news, events and to subscribe to our newsletter, go to www.futurefibresnetworkplus.com