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Businesses came to ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Leicester (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ) to look at how they could make products more sustainable.

The 5th Midlands Green Innovation Network was at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ to hear how academics and technicians can support companies to build sustainability into the design phase, cutting carbon, reducing waste and greening the supply chain in the process.




The event began with an introduction to the Midlands Green Innovation Network. The network was launched by the Midlands Engine, Energy Research Accelerator and Federation of Small Businesses in December 2022, with the goal of supporting small businesses to unleash their potential for innovation.

The second presentation featured a welcome and introduction to the event by Professor Christine white, Deputy Dean of Art, Design and Humanities, and Director of the Design Unit. Professor White’s address was followed by a series of talks from ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ academics, discussing the Impact of Sustainable Design from a variety of disciplines and its relation to industry.

Jas Sandhu, business development manager for the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities, said: “For me, the event shone a light on why the choices made at the conceptual and prototyping stage are critical in helping businesses positively address environmental impact. From considering your supply chain to sourcing more sustainable products or materials to integrate new technologies into your business”.

“The great news is that all of this expertise can be accessed at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and I would welcome a conversation with businesses who are looking for support in these areas."

Professor Carolyn Hardaker, who is Head of the School of Fashion and Textiles, expressed her enthusiasm at the event, saying: “I found the event incredibly interesting. It’s a pleasure to engage with local industry, and demonstrate how ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ can help support this important work."

Holly Lavery, a Contour Fashion student at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ who is currently completing an internship at Stretchline, the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow elasticated fabric, added: “Attending this event has given me ideas on how to incorporate sustainability in my designs, and I’m excited to bring these ideas back to ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ next year after my internship. It’s reassuring to see that ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ is taking the issue of sustainability seriously."

²ÝÁñÊÓƵ places significant emphasis on sustainability, and is the only university in the UK to serve as a hub for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a collection of 17 objectives aimed at improving the world. ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ’s School of Fashion and Textiles received global recognition at the 2022 Green Gown Awards, considered the gold standard for universities worldwide, due to its unwavering commitment to sustainable fashion.

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