From the outset, sustainability has been core to the ethos of the Bristol Weaving Mill’s mission and practice. We are committed to accelerating and amplifying the efforts of the fashion and textile industry to move from depletion to replenishment of our planet. Our approach is to be a driver for closed-loop design, regenerative agriculture, and local and traceable sourcing.

 

Human activities have resulted in a changing climate and the loss of important biodiversity. The textile and fashion industry is a major contributor to this depletion through its material sourcing, production processes, use and waste. As a result, there is growing momentum in the industry towards being a part of the solution rather than the problem, spurred by adoption of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.

 

We are fortunate to be based in Bristol, a leading hub for sustainable innovation, where there is a concentration of enterprises who are creating new models for production and consumption. We are an active member of this community and are excited to act as a conduit developing this ecosystem and offering transferability to the textile sector.

 

This policy sets out our ambition to accelerate positive transformation in the textile and fashion industry.

 

Environmental Ethos & Approach

Our ethos is centred around craftsmanship, bespoke design and traceability, with innovation core to our approach. These are integral to all of the mill’s work and inform our sustainability decisions. 

 

Craftsmanship 

We are proud to be a custodian of the crafts of hand-weaving and textile design. Our skilled team creates durable pieces made to last, minimising material waste and demonstrating the value of sustainable production processes.

 

Bespoke Design 

Our bespoke approach allows for thoughtful material and production choices to be embedded in each project. We strive to understand our choices throughout the textile lifecycle to reduce environmental impacts and increase circularity.

 

Traceability 

We ensure our sustainability values are reflected in practice by evidencing the environmental credentials of our supply chain using innovative technologies and maintaining strong relationships with fibre producers and designers.

 

Sustainable Development Goals

We have identified the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which speak most closely to the work we do and where we believe we can have the greatest impact.

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9: Natural fibre innovation

12: Creating a circular fashion economy

13: Achieving net zero

15: Achieving nature positive

 

Environmental Aim

Our aim is to become a net zero and nature positive business by 2030. As we undertake our journey, we wish to be a demonstrator of how to achieve this goal. In working with our clients and suppliers we will support in catalysing the sustainable transformation of textiles and fashion.

 

Environmental Objectives

To achieve our aim, we will:

 

Craftsmanship

• Keep alive traditional weaving techniques underpinned with sustainability principles

• Be a key node for re-establishing the natural fibre supply network by acting as connector and educator between farmers, designers, and consumers

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Design

• Bring sustainability into all design conversations internally and with clients

• Produce high quality design using materials that replenish the land  

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Traceability

• Measure and report our annual carbon footprint

• Create a roadmap to net zero emissions

• Experiment with new technologies to increase the sustainability of our projects 

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To address our company footprint, we will be working to measure the report on the following impact areas:

• Energy

• Carbon

• Water

• Waste

• Travel

• Procurement 

 

This policy is supported by a sustainability action plan and will be reviewed and updated annually.