Latest news with #EUStrategyforSustainableandCircularTextiles
Business of Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Inside Falmouth University's Online MA in Sustainable Fashion
Falmouth University, situated on the south coast of Cornwall, England, is a higher education institution specialising in the creative industries. It places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices across all areas, particularly their fashion, textiles and business programmes. Its fashion-related degrees span design, marketing, photography, styling and art direction. Recent graduates include Beth Somerville, the 2023 winner of the New Designer of the Year Award in 2023 and Finlay Vincent, the recipient of Net-a-Porter's Vanguard Education Fund 2022. Falmouth University is developing a new generation of sustainable fashion practitioners through its two-year MA in Sustainable Fashion. The online part-time programme teaches students about the interconnected environmental, social and economic impact of the fashion industry. At the core of the programme is a mission to redefine the fashion system through a regenerative soil-to-soil lens — from textile crop to garment disposal — and to equip students with the tools to view fashion's systemic challenges as opportunities for transformation and innovation. The course takes a holistic approach to fashion, exploring concepts ranging from circular systems and de-growth economics to regenerative design. Its collaborative leadership framework enables participants to recognise the interdisciplinary potential of their work — all through a sustainability-focused lens. The programme keeps students up-to-date with sustainability regulations, such as the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. This ensures graduates understand the policies increasingly shaping industry priorities and brings environmental compliance to the forefront of business strategy. As the online MA in Sustainable Fashion opens applications for a new cohort beginning in autumn 2025, The Business of Fashion (BoF) sits down with course leader Tom Crisp to discuss how the programme aims to train the next generation of professionals focused on systemic innovation. The online MA in Sustainable Fashion course leader Tom Crisp. What distinguishes Falmouth University's educational approach? At Falmouth, we take a holistic approach to sustainable fashion. We consciously cultivate curious mindsets and want our students to lead the industry through planet-centred design practices that apply to local contexts. We look at extending sustainable practice beyond product-based circular solutions to reimagine and rewire the fashion system towards sustainable practice. For the MA in Sustainable Fashion, we give students free rein with the sustainable interventions they wish to explore and develop. We don't dictate what sustainable solutions look like, but equip our students with the necessary tools to put systems-first decision-making into action — whether that is through land practices and regenerative agriculture, discussions with the community, or even AI-based solutions. Why is now a pivotal time for students to consider the online MA in Sustainable Fashion? Sustainability is one of those urgent areas that is not going away. Brands are facing pressure to transform textile supply chains through legislation and it is important for the industry to have professionals who understand this — and how it impacts consumer behaviour. We are also seeing technological innovation that is causing increased interest in land-based, regenerative agricultural practices — and there is opportunity for new business, entrepreneurship and innovation within this space. It is an optimal time for students to gain a skillset in this area, particularly as the industry looks towards transformation through sustainable initiatives — meaning there are many job opportunities once they've graduated. What advantages does an online approach offer? As a part-time, flexible course, students can enrol and complete the studies at their own pace — and on top of work they may already be doing. Students will gain an understanding of the complex and multi-layered approaches of bringing sustainability practices into businesses. Currently, we have people who run their own businesses and use the course to make sustainable change within their company. Others have used the course to become more entrepreneurial and suggest projects for their current employers. Meanwhile, some course graduates have used their final major projects to land roles in the industry, present at conferences and gain research funding to pursue and expand their projects further We have students from across the globe in the course community, meaning there are perspectives from Venezuela to Vancouver to Vietnam — and each with their own stories from their local areas. It means that sustainability is not viewed from a Western perspective, but from an ever-evolving, global lens. How can prospective students impress in their applications? We are looking for students who want to drive meaningful change, that want to build transformational projects that will lead us towards a much more sustainable future — regardless of whether fashion is in your background. If you are someone who actively questions existing methods and assumptions, and is looking towards a holistic understanding of how the fashion system operates, this is the course for you. And, because we have so many different approaches to sustainability, it is an opportunity for you to consider the interconnectedness of the environment with social and economic drivers in mind. Currently, we have students who come from environmental science backgrounds, practising journalists and other business professionals. It is a melting pot of talent, meaning there are lots of ideas being generated from the diverse, international cohort on the course. How does Falmouth University prepare its students for the evolving needs of the industry? The course is systems-focused, meaning students get a grasp on how sustainability operates across the entire fashion lifecycle. The programme encourages students to really think about where to make the most change and what positive impact such changes have on the planet. Students will gain an understanding of the complex and multi-layered approaches of bringing sustainability practices into businesses. We have the resources to help demystify some of the most challenging issues of the industry, and provide the tools for thinking about how emerging technologies, like AI, can be applied as solutions to production and other steps of the manufacturing phase. We also view sustainability on different levels. We think about how local issues reflect more global problems — and how global problems can affect local communities. We cater practices to the needs of each student, meaning if there is one particular area you are really interested in studying, we can ensure you have the opportunity to get a thorough understanding of it through your time on the course. This is a sponsored feature paid for by Falmouth University as part of a BoF partnership.
Fibre2Fashion
31-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
OEKO-TEX joins United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network
OEKO-TEX is an official member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFLN), a global platform fostering collaboration, innovation, and transparency across the fashion and lifestyle industries in support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The UNFLN connects stakeholders across industry, policy, civil society, and the UN system, providing a structured space for accelerating collaborative action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a member, OEKO-TEX gains access to high-level engagement opportunities, visibility in global policy dialogues, and participation in cross-sector initiatives. OEKO-TEX has joined the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, enhancing its role in global sustainability. Represented by TESTEX, it will contribute expertise in certification, traceability, and responsible sourcing. This partnership supports OEKO-TEX's impact on key SDGs and boosts its visibility in global policy platforms promoting sustainable fashion. TESTEX: Official Representative and Strategic Contributor As the official representative of the OEKO-TEX Association within the network, TESTEX is proud to support this multilateral effort. TESTEX will actively contribute its technical and scientific expertise, particularly in the areas of sustainable supply chain certification, environmental performance evaluation, and transparency mechanisms—while also supporting cross-sector collaboration on frameworks for traceability and responsible sourcing. This role reinforces TESTEX's long-standing engagement with public-private partnerships and international standard-setting processes and complements its advisory contributions to regional policy developments such as the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the upcoming Green Claims Directive. Leveraging Certification to Drive Impact on the SDGs Through this affiliation, OEKO-TEX reinforces its contribution to systemic change across key sustainability priorities. Specific contributions include: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 ensures that certified products are tested for harmful substances, supporting consumer health and safety. OEKO-TEX STeP includes criteria addressing non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and gender-sensitive workplace policies—promoting inclusive, equitable employment practices across certified facilities. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation OEKO-TEX STeP comprises robust criteria for wastewater management, chemical handling, and water usage optimisation in certified production sites. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth OEKO-TEX STeP's Social Responsibility Modules assess labour practices, workplace safety, and fair employment throughout global textile and leather supply chains. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities Certification criteria are designed to be inclusive and accessible across different regions and company sizes, supporting equity in market access. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production The OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label provides end-to-end product traceability and consumer-facing sustainability data, supporting informed choices and transparency. OEKO-TEX tools integrate environmental impact metrics and carbon performance criteria to support climate-aligned production pathways. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals Through its role in the UNFLN and other international alliances, OEKO-TEX collaborates with NGOs, academia, and industry actors to harmonise sustainability standards and methodologies. Amplifying Impact Through Global Policy Platforms By joining the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, OEKO-TEX and TESTEX position themselves within a UN-recognised ecosystem for knowledge exchange, policy engagement, and global visibility. Members of the network are featured through curated showcases, reports, and speaking opportunities at both the UN Headquarters in New York and through global online channels. This membership provides a unique opportunity to scale the visibility of certified best practices, contribute scientific input to UN sustainability dialogues, and foster alignment across international initiatives that are shaping the future of textiles, leather, and lifestyle goods. Looking Ahead As regulatory and market landscapes evolve toward greater accountability and verifiability, OEKO-TEX's participation in the UNFLN underscores its commitment to data-driven, independent verification as a foundation for progress. TESTEX looks forward to deepening its engagement with fellow members of the network to advance shared sustainability goals through credible science, collaborative innovation, and policy-informed solutions. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Harming America's textiles sector': US claims 'unfair trade practices' by China, India and others
United States Trade Representative The United States on Saturday called out multiple countries, among them China and India, over their " unfair trade practices " which it alleged were "harming" America's textiles and apparels sector. In a social media post, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said that China's domestic manufacturers were enjoying "unfair competitive advantages" due to non-market policies and practices by China in the textiles and apparel sector. — USTradeRep (@USTradeRep) "These policies are enabling Chinese manufacturers to charge artificially low prices for their products. US textile and apparel manufacturers have been negatively impacted with 28 plants closing in the past 22 months," USTR wrote. Further, it noted that China accounted for 21% of $79.3 billion worth of apparels imported by the United States in 2024. Chinese e-commerce firms, it stated, were responsible for over 30% of all daily de minimis shipments into America, flooding the US market with "cheap apparel products" while bypassing tariffs and evading trade enforcement mechanisms. "The influx of cheap apparel has decimated local industries, particularly in the southeast United States," USTR said. India According to USTR, American exporters were being "disadvantaged" as the Indian textile industry was benefitting from "high tariffs, opaque quality control rules, and a web of unpredictable import licensing requirements." On the other hand, the playing field was "uneven" for US manufacturers as India's export promotion schemes and production-linked incentives provided Indian manufacturers with a "competitive edge." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo European Union USTR accused the European Union (EU) of imposing new "non-tariff barriers," leaving US exporters with "burdensome compliance costs." The "barriers" mentioned by USTR are: eco-design requirements under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles; "steep" extended producer responsibility fees, and digital product passports with "unrealistic implementation timelines." Which other countries did USTR call out? In its social media post, the USTR also called out Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya, Cambodia, Turkey, and Peru. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rudholm Group: Helping Brands Navigate Compliance with Digital Product Passports
BORAS, Sweden, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the fashion industry shifts towards greater transparency and regulatory compliance, Digital Product Passports (DPP) are becoming increasingly important. With new regulations for Textile DPP under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles on the horizon, brands must act now to meet the upcoming requirements. "With legislation on the horizon, now is the time for textile brands to start engaging with Digital Product Passports," said Kristoffer Schroeder, CTO at Rudholm Group. "At Rudholm Group, we see DPPs not just as a compliance requirement but as a strategic advantage—offering brands a way to build trust, enhance transparency, and drive meaningful connections with consumers." DPPs provide a structured way to manage product data, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations while enhancing traceability across the supply chain. They enable brands to share detailed product histories—from raw material sourcing to end-of-life recycling—providing transparency at every stage. Beyond meeting legal obligations, DPPs offer opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and build stronger connections between brands and consumers. As consumers become more informed and demand greater accountability, DPPs provide a direct channel for brands to engage and communicate product information, further strengthening their connection with the market. Rudholm Group is at the forefront of supporting brands with the transition to Digital Product Passports through its innovative ShareLabel® platform. ShareLabel® simplifies data management, ensuring accurate, real-time tracking of product information and streamlining compliance with regulatory requirements. This technology helps brands future-proof their operations while aligning with emerging industry standards. Schroeder adds, "Digital Product Passports are about more than just meeting regulations—they represent an opportunity to innovate and lead. By offering detailed product transparency, brands can not only comply with evolving standards but also inspire their customers, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical practices." By acting now, brands can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring a smooth transition when new regulations take effect. Rudholm Group continues to develop solutions that help businesses navigate the complexities of compliance while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. About Rudholm Group Rudholm Group is a global manufacturer of labelling, packaging, trims, and digital solutions, with Scandinavian roots and operations across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The company is dedicated to sustainable and innovative solutions for the apparel and footwear industry. Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rudholm Group
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Rudholm Group: Helping Brands Navigate Compliance with Digital Product Passports
BORAS, Sweden, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the fashion industry shifts towards greater transparency and regulatory compliance, Digital Product Passports (DPP) are becoming increasingly important. With new regulations for Textile DPP under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles on the horizon, brands must act now to meet the upcoming requirements. 'With legislation on the horizon, now is the time for textile brands to start engaging with Digital Product Passports,' said Kristoffer Schroeder, CTO at Rudholm Group. 'At Rudholm Group, we see DPPs not just as a compliance requirement but as a strategic advantage—offering brands a way to build trust, enhance transparency, and drive meaningful connections with consumers.' DPPs provide a structured way to manage product data, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations while enhancing traceability across the supply chain. They enable brands to share detailed product histories—from raw material sourcing to end-of-life recycling—providing transparency at every stage. Beyond meeting legal obligations, DPPs offer opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and build stronger connections between brands and consumers. As consumers become more informed and demand greater accountability, DPPs provide a direct channel for brands to engage and communicate product information, further strengthening their connection with the market. Rudholm Group is at the forefront of supporting brands with the transition to Digital Product Passports through its innovative ShareLabel® platform. ShareLabel® simplifies data management, ensuring accurate, real-time tracking of product information and streamlining compliance with regulatory requirements. This technology helps brands future-proof their operations while aligning with emerging industry standards. Schroeder adds, 'Digital Product Passports are about more than just meeting regulations—they represent an opportunity to innovate and lead. By offering detailed product transparency, brands can not only comply with evolving standards but also inspire their customers, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.' By acting now, brands can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring a smooth transition when new regulations take effect. Rudholm Group continues to develop solutions that help businesses navigate the complexities of compliance while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. About Rudholm Group Rudholm Group is a global manufacturer of labelling, packaging, trims, and digital solutions, with Scandinavian roots and operations across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The company is dedicated to sustainable and innovative solutions for the apparel and footwear industry. Logo: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rudholm Group
