Today marks the official announcement of the 10 SME recipients of the BFTT programme. Led by University of the Arts London, and in partnership with Loughborough University, University College London, Queen Mary University London, University of Leeds and University of Cambridge, the BFTT programme consists of a bespoke support package designed to enable small and medium enterprises from across the fashion, textiles and technology sector, access to expertise and resources to develop the next generation of sustainability-driven products, services and experiences.
Ten of the UK fashion industry’s most innovative and sustainable brands have been awarded over £1.2 million by the programme. It is one of nine Creative Research & Development Clusters funded under the Creative Industries Cluster Programme which aims to boost productivity via creative R&D, backing businesses to create good jobs and increase the earning power of people throughout the UK with investment in skills, industries and infrastructure. In today’s challenging climate, a comprehensive support package of this type that enables SMEs to drive forward sustainability-driven innovation is more crucial than ever.
The BFTT programme's first cohort of awarded projects will be shaping the future of the fashion and textiles industry by developing sustainability-driven innovative new materials, products, services & experiences.
With over 80 applications, 13 were shortlisted and provided with one-to-one mentoring, business workshops and training to help develop their initial concepts into fully fledged business plans. The shortlisted businesses then had to pitch their idea to a panel of industry and academic experts – with just ten making the final cut.
“This initiative is intended to creatively and technically address the challenge of maintaining growth in the crucial early years of business, whilst also providing support for much needed innovation, and sustainable growth, especially in these challenging and rapidly changing times. The diversity of projects selected are indicative of the breadth of innovation potential in the fashion sector. - Professor Jane Harris, BFTT Programme Director.
The official recipients of the BFTT fund
ANANAS ANAM
Supported by University of the Arts London, Chelsea College of Art - Centre for Circular Design.
"We will work with the Centre for Circular Design at Chelsea College of Arts (UAL) to explore new functionality and applications of bio-based non-woven and sustainable material by exploring embellishment and other value-added processes."
ANNA GLOVER
Supported by University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins Textiles Futures Research Community.
"We will work with the Textile Futures Research Community at Central Saint Martins (UAL) to explore new material and embellishment process development within the luxury interiors sector, using sustainable alternatives to the industry's polyester standard and digital print technology to achieve high quality and larger volumes."
AWAYTOMARS
Supported by University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion, UAL Digital Anthropology Lab.
"We will be working with the Digital Anthropology Lab at London College of Fashion (UAL) to explore new technologies to enhance the experience and brand value delivered by ATM’s co-creation platform to its growing global community of over 15,000 members."
BLACKHORSE LANE ATELIERS
Supported by University of the Arts London, Chelsea College of Arts Centre for Circular Design.
"We will be working with the Centre for Circular Design at Chelsea College of Arts (UAL) to develop R&D around sustainable laundering and finishing techniques to enable the emergence of a new and unique ‘London’ denim-washing aesthetic inspired by the principles of the circular economy."
CHIP(S) BOARD
Supported by Loughborough University - Materials Engineering Department.
"We will be working with the Materials Department at Loughborough University to develop next-generation Parblex® biopolymers. The R&D effort will focus on the addition of bioplasticisers, and other bioderived additives into current Parblex® formulations to achieve substantial property improvements which could find applications in the fashion industry."
DOPPELHAUS
Supported by University of the Arts London and London College of Fashion, UAL.
"We will be working with the London College of Fashion (UAL) to develop a sustainable nonwoven textile at an accessible price point and with strong aesthetic and functional appeal that could have a positive environmental impact by serving the mass market."
ELVIS & KRESSE
Supported by Queen Mary University of London - QMUL School of Engineering and Materials Science.
"We will be working with the Materials Engineering Department at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to develop a circular business model for metal hardware in the luxury sector by hacking the industrial aluminumrecycling process through the design and open-sourcing of a small scale and environmentally sound alternative."
SEGURA
Supported by University of the Arts London and Chelsea College of Arts Centre for Circular Design.
"We will work with the Centre for Circular Design at Chelsea College of Arts (UAL) to determine the sustainability criteria, data and processes that will be required to develop a Sustainable Supplier Marketplace (SSM) to encourage transparency in the supply chain."
TENGRI
Supported by University of the Arts London and London College of Fashion, UAL.
"We will work with the London College of Fashion (UAL) to explore and codify existing UK heritage manufacturing techniques and new technologies that could be applicable to the creation of nonwovens out of yarn bio-waste."
TIBOR
Supported by University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, UAL Textiles Futures Research Community (TFRC).
"We will work with the Textiles Future Research Community at Central Saint Martins (UAL) to set up a micro R&D mill and develop luxury woven textiles using sustainable materials and processes and interpreting heritage weaving techniques on modern looms, supporting the development of local skills and a sustainable UK supply."
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