In a ground-breaking session at the UKFT Sustainability in UK Textiles 2023 conference, leaders from John Smedley, a renowned knitwear manufacturer, came together with Sharing in Growth’s Operations Executive, Ali Gower, to discuss their remarkable transition from traditional craftsmanship to modern manufacturing. Their conversation delved into tackling waste reduction, maintaining quality, and fostering continuous improvement—a sustainable transformation that’s poised to make a lasting impact on the textile industry.
Leading Change for Sustainability
At the annual Sustainability in UK Textiles conference held in London on September 28th, John Smedley’s journey towards combating waste in production while upholding quality was at the forefront. Ian Maclean MBE, Managing Director of John Smedley, alongside the company’s Technical Director, Tim Clark, and Sharing in Growth’s Ali Gower, outlined their progress in eliminating waste and explored how this innovative approach for the sector could be expanded to challenge processes and assumptions across all facets of the business.
Ian Maclean expressed, “We have not been very good at controlling cost as we watch most of our waste being burned or ending up in landfill. With the help of new thinking from Sharing in Growth (SiG), we may be beginning to address the problem for the better in a structured and long-lasting way. SiG have spent years working with small and medium-sized manufacturing firms who form the backbone of the supply chain for the aerospace industry in the UK, and we think much of their experience is transferrable into our business. At Sustainability in UK Textiles, we explained how SiG have worked with John Smedley and where the new thinking might take us.”
Image Credit: Ben Broomfield
A Day of Inspiration and Insight
The conference brought together leaders from major retailers, textile manufacturers, academics, and sustainability specialists, offering valuable insights into practical steps to enhance performance, measure, and monitor progress, and communicate environmental credentials. A highlight of the event was the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in her capacity as the president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). This presented Ali Gower with the rare opportunity to discuss the impactful work of Sharing in Growth and share his views on the future of UK manufacturing with the esteemed royal guest.
Conclusion
The collaboration between John Smedley and Sharing in Growth stands as a testament to the textile industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As they embark on this transformative journey from craftsmanship to modern manufacturing, their story serves as an inspiring example of how the industry can address the pressing challenges of waste reduction while maintaining the highest standards of quality. With a shared vision for a sustainable future, these industry leaders are shaping the textile landscape for the better, one step at a time.
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