Parent company of the Fashion Technology Academy, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), has just been awarded a significant Innovate UK grant as part of the Creative Catalyst initiative. This prestigious funding will enable FEL to launch a pioneering “Circle8 Old for New – The Fashion Fix” project, which aims to address one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges: sustainability.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has committed up to £10 million to support innovative projects that foster growth in untapped businesses and enhance creative talent. Applying to be a part of the Creative Catalyst initiative, was highly competitive, with projects needing to demonstrate clear benefits to the creative industries and the wider UK economy.
Winning this grant required FEL to showcase innovation that not only addresses a clear market opportunity but also demonstrates the potential impact on business growth within the next 12 months. The “Circle8 Old for New” project was recognised for its groundbreaking approach to sustainability in the fashion industry, aligning perfectly with Innovate UK’s goals. The project focuses on repurposing and recycling rejected stock and pre-loved garments, offering an affordable and sustainable solution to fashion waste.
Key highlights of the project include:
- Collaborations with Leading Retailers
- Recycling Programs for Unusable Garments
- Consumer-Facing Services
- Educational Initiatives
- Leveraging Advanced Fashion AI Technology
The “Circle8 Old for New” project is truly innovative in its approach, combining sustainability with advanced technology and consumer education. There is no other company in the UK that offers a similar service, making this project both ambitious and unique. By repurposing rejected garments and reducing landfill waste, FEL is not only helping to protect the planet but also creating new jobs and opportunities within the fashion industry.
The project is set to launch over the next six months, significantly faster than typical industry timelines. FEL has already been recognised within industry and earlier this year was announced as ‘Sustainable Fashion Champion’ at the Drapers Record Sustainability Awards. The “Circle8 Old for New” project is a testament to FEL’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems. The FEL team in London and Leicester are excited to push the envelope of sustainability in the fashion and textile industry and these practices will be taught and demonstrated to all FTA learners and apprentices.