Industry-led research and development program Future Fashion Factory has secured £2 million in funding for new innovation projects. As per a Drapers Online, the funding will be used to discover sustainable alternatives to traditional materials and design processes. Future Fashion Factory has approved 13 new projects including a new digital system for 3D-woven fashion design under development by Twelve Oaks Software; a vegan, petroleum and freshwater-free alternative to down or polyester for insulated clothing put forward by SaltyCo; and HydroCotton’s approach to more sustainable cotton production.

Each of these projects addresses a challenge identified by industry partners from Future Fashion Factory’s community of more than 270 fashion businesses and professionals.

Set up last year, Future Fashion Factory aims to improve speed, productivity and sustainability in the UK’s clothing supply chain. It is led by the University of Leeds, in partnership with the University of Huddersfield and Royal College of Art. Based in Leeds, the program initially received £5.5 million in funding from non-governmental public body the Arts and Humanities Research Council and planned to raise an additional £3 million from industry.