The Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) has been prominently featured by Drapers — one of the UK fashion industry’s most respected trade publications — for its leadership in developing a new textile quality standard that aims to revitalise British manufacturing.
This initiative comes at a pivotal time for the UK textile and garment sector, which is experiencing renewed interest in onshoring, ethical production, and sustainable supply chains. The Drapers coverage recognises ATMF’s role in driving industry-wide quality benchmarks and strategic developments that could reshape how clothing and textile production is valued in the UK.
National Textile Quality Mark: A Game-Changer for UK Manufacturing
At the centre of ATMF’s work is the development of the UK’s first National Textile Quality Mark — a trusted standard designed to signal excellence in:
- Ethical and compliant working conditions
- Environmental sustainability and low-carbon manufacturing
- Technical innovation and durability
- Craftsmanship and UK-made credibilityFashion Capital
This Quality Mark is poised to help domestic manufacturers distinguish themselves in markets that increasingly prioritise transparency, accountability, and local supply chains.
The project is being developed in collaboration with key partners, including The Garment & Textile Workers Trust, Fashion-Enter Ltd, De Montfort University, and others. Together, they are piloting the standard with UK mills, factories and major brands to ensure practical impact and industry adoption.Fashion Capital
Why This Matters
With rising global trade pressures and increasing demand for sustainable sourcing, British manufacturing has a unique opportunity to reclaim its heritage of quality and innovation. By establishing this formal quality standard, ATMF is helping to:
- Rebuild confidence in “Made in Britain” production
- Encourage public and private procurement of UK-made goods
- Support job creation and skills development across regions with deep textile heritageFashion Capital
Drapers’ feature highlights this work as part of the broader conversation around revitalising domestic manufacturing — a signal of industry recognition and momentum for ATMF’s leadership.
ATMF’s Broader Vision for UK Manufacturing
Beyond the Quality Mark, ATMF continues to advocate for strategic initiatives that strengthen the domestic supply chain, including:
- Greater inclusion of UK factories in public sector procurement
- Partnerships between manufacturers and leading brands
- Support services for compliance, audits and ethical supply chain practicesFashion Capital
By winning coverage in Drapers, ATMF not only elevates its member community but also pushes the spotlight onto the broader opportunities for UK-based manufacturing to flourish once again.