Fab Materials

AND THE WINNER IS… We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Manufacturing Futures 2024 Innovation Challenge Prize is 🏆 Fibe! Fibe is a start-up materials science company that creates new textile fibers from potato harvest waste, comparable to cotton, polyester and other materials. Congratulations to our runner-ups 🏅Fab Materials and 🏅Sequinova! The winner and runner-ups were revealed last night at our Manufacturing Futures 2024 Awards Supper, held at The Conduit in Covent Garden. The event was packed with leading figures from the worlds of fashion, technology, and investment. Our 10 finalists had just 20 minutes each to pitch their innovations to the judges, followed by canapes, drinks, speeches, and networking. Huge thank you to our incredible judging panel: Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion; Gillian Lipton FIEMA, ex-Sustainability Director at Alexander McQueen; Ella Gould, Head of Circularity and Innovation at Selfridges; Chelsea Franklin, Head of Advanced Concept Design at PANGAIA, and Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT Association. Thanks to The Conduit for hosting our Awards Evening in their wonderful Ubuntu Lounge, and to everyone that came along to celebrate the Manufacturing Futures shortlisted businesses. We can't wait to see what you all do next. London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London #FashionManufacturing #FashionInnovation #InnovationChallenge #SustainableFashion #CircularFashion #Innovation #SustainableManufacturing

📢 "The fashion industry needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050." Author and Canopy member, Simon Kew, joined us at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)'s HQ, the Entopia Building, celebrating the launch of his book 'The Path to Net Zero for the Fashion Industry'. He has set out new quantitative, science-based evidence to understand where the emissions emitted by the fashion world are generated. And, importantly, he explores the strategies needed to achieve decarbonisation. These include:  ⚡Changing energy sources 🛍️ Controlling consumption 👗 Materials transition 🏭 Reinventing manufacturing 🚯 And reducing waste The book launch included a discussion with CISL Programme Director Viola Jardon, and networking. 

New research from WRAP shows that whilst the used textile sector is continuing to experience a dire economic situation which is being made worse by the ever increasing amounts of lower value fast fashion, the UK continues to divert around 650,000 tonnes of post-consumer (mainly used clothing textiles). When considering diversion rates specifically for clothing, the UK collects about 60% of clothing put on the market, re-routing it away from disposal and giving it a hugely environmental and social beneficial second, third, fourth life etc. This is amongst the highest collection rates in the world. Plus there is an increasing body of properly peer reviewed research taking detailed analysis of waste arisings suggesting that the actual amount of textile waste in used bales arriving into African markets is close to 2% and not 40% as widely reported by some. It is clear that our sector is doing a lot of good and it is simply not getting the credit it deserves. It is also clear from the WRAP report though that there are a lot more used textiles that are being put in the black bin, particularly when it comes to textile items other than clothing. If we are to collect these we will need to proper support and investment to make this happen. This can include support from the fashion and textiles industry to use recycled fibres from post-consumer waste in new products which should be backed up by a policy to mandate minimum recycled content is a must, along with EPR, product standards and other policies. Furthermore, if we had EPR today, it would give collectors and processors a financial cushion that could help global used textiles sector through the really tough economic slump that we are currently facing. As I am quoted as saying: "warehouses are full, collections are grinding to a halt, demand in the main global markets is being hugely disrupted, trade has dropped off a cliff, and news of layoffs and rumours of closures are a daily occurrence. This current situation coupled with the findings of the new Textiles Market Situation Report show why we need serious interventions and support from government and industry through policies such as EPR, product standards and minimum recycled content in new products.” https://lnkd.in/eutzCHME #sustainabletextiles #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #circulareconomy #usedclothing #secondhand

⚡ Breaking news! ⚡ We are thrilled to share the shortlisted businesses for Manufacturing Futures 2024! With an impressive array of applications this year, our judges convened at LCF East Bank to select the shortlist. A huge thank you to all our applicants – your incredible submissions made the selection process incredibly challenging. Now, presenting our lineup of shortlisted businesses: • Arda Biomaterials • Fab Materials • Fibe • Fiiba • Oxford Biopigments • PACT • Sequinova • The Seam • TRUSS • Zori Tex 👀 Want to learn more about these innovative businesses? Read our latest blog post for exclusive insights! https://lnkd.in/eah-Gmvi London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London #FashionManufacturing #FashionInnovation #InnovationChallenge #SustainableFashion #CircularFashion #FashionCompetition #ManufacturingFutures2024 #SustainableManufacturing #ManufacturingInnovation #LondonFashion

They say the best learning happens outside the classroom. Our consulting project with Fab Materials proved just that, blending academic insights with real-world innovation. I am thrilled to share my journey on my first consulting project, a remarkable opportunity that came our way in the "Business Model Design for Digital Economy" module at Imperial College Business School. We were assigned with early-stage startups to tackle their challenges and refine their business models and IP strategies, and that's when we were introduced to FabMaterials, spearheaded by John Somerville.  FabMaterials is on a groundbreaking mission to enable planet-scale fashion recycling. Their proprietary technology transforms non-recyclable, zero-value fashion waste into valuable feedstock for circular materials, pioneering a sustainable future in fashion. Throughout this five-week engagement, my team and I dove deep into analyzing FabMaterials' business strategy and model. Here are my key takeaways from the entire exercise: The Importance of a Moat: Our research underscored the critical role of having at least one strong competitive advantage, especially when pioneering a new industry. A moat is vital for market competitiveness. Power of Social Media and Content: We learned that educating potential customers and creating a viral, compelling narrative is just as crucial as the product or service itself. A captivating story can solidify a brand's market presence. Theoretical Models in Practice: Initially sceptical about the practicality of business models and canvases, this project was a turning point. Utilizing tools like the Business Model Canvas, Triple Bottom Line Canvas, and Customer Value Proposition Canvas offered profound insights and facilitated better decision-making. A heartfelt thank you to our mentor, Professor Erkko Autio FBA, for guiding us through this enriching process with enthusiasm and wisdom. Also, a massive shoutout to my amazing teammates - Beata Onikul, Abdelrahman Tawakol, Nicolas Sinn, Yibin Peng, and Jiahe (Camille) TIAN. This project was a learning experience and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. #Consulting #Innovation #Sustainability #FashionRecycling #BusinessModel #Teamwork #LearningJourney #Imperialmeansbusiness #Imperial #FabMaterials

"There's a big problem. From local thrift shops to enormous online second-hand retailers, it's hard to find pre-owned clothing businesses that actually turn a profit...The problem is one of economics. With the rise of ultra-fast, ultra-cheap fashion brands, the volume of clothing produced and shipped globally continues to explode, and consumers are offloading more of it after just a few wears. According to a 2023 study, one large Swedish charity has to pay to have 70% of donated clothing incinerated because it is too low quality to sell in-store or export. Of the clothing that is exported to Ghana, 40% leaves the market as waste." My first article for BBC News asks the question: is the circular fashion economy even viable? https://lnkd.in/exnd_P-2

European Parliament's Environment Committee approved proposals to reduce food and textile waste. The new rules include extended producer responsibility schemes for textiles, ensuring separate collection and recycling. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) aim for implementation within 18 months, covering a wide range of textile products. #Fibre2Fashion #f2f #apparel #textile #fashion #textileindustry #f2fnews Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dij_Vrkw