The UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) National Interdisciplinary Textiles Circularity Centre (TCC) has been undertaking research into a circular textiles economy for the UK apparel-fashion industry.

The academic consortium, funded by the UKRI National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research Programme, is exploring the production of high value textiles from bio waste, such as crop residues. The consortium is led by the Royal College of Art (RCA) and includes Cranfield University, University of Cambridge, University of Leeds, University Manchester, University College of London, and University of York.

Dr Miriam Ribul, research strand lead in Materials Circularity of TCC said: “Our aim is to support small and medium enterprises so that they can access biobased materials.”

With the challenge to reduce consumption and production,