<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/09B34884-9F35-4E68-87F6-49189CDF43B6" ns1:id="09B34884-9F35-4E68-87F6-49189CDF43B6"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/A96E0CE2-BE5D-4ABA-9061-8D3214337337" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/B17CB6BD-1274-4735-9564-4559D269115B" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/B17CB6BD-1274-4735-9564-4559D269115B" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2024-11-30T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/E6E989CA-6A4F-4349-B603-EF4E18342F20" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2023-12-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10095289</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Unlocking Luxury from Leather Waste - Taking Non-Fashion Industry Leather Waste from Burden to Benefit</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Investment Accelerator</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Unlocking Luxury from Leather Waste: A Transformative Business Opportunity

Taylor Yates, a pioneering fashion brand, is set to unveil an innovative project that redefines fashion sustainability. Fueled by a commitment to responsible luxury, the project aims to revolutionise manufacturing waste management by introducing a groundbreaking process that upcycles non-fashion industry leather waste into luxurious products.

At the heart of the project lies a visionary approach to reimagining the lifecycle of leather waste generated by non-fashion industries. By harnessing discarded materials, Taylor Yates bridges the gap between waste management and the luxury market, offering a distinct and ethically crafted alternative for conscious consumers.

&amp;quot;We're on a mission to challenge the norms and reshape the fashion industry,&amp;quot; says Ellen Yates, Founder of Taylor Yates. &amp;quot;Our project encapsulates our ethos of responsible luxury, marrying elegance with environmental responsibility.&amp;quot;

The innovative project promises a multi-dimensional value proposition. It contributes to waste reduction by transforming discarded leather materials, offers new avenues for non-fashion industries to manage waste externally, and encourages conscious consumption through luxury products that stand the test of time.

&amp;quot;This isn't just a project; it's a statement of our commitment to a more sustainable future,&amp;quot; emphasises Ellen Yates. &amp;quot;We're breaking down barriers and paving the way for a new era of responsible fashion.&amp;quot;

Central to the project is the aspiration to create opportunities within economically deprived areas of Northern Ireland. Taylor Yates aims to provide an alternative path for individuals interested in fashion without leaving their communities, driving social impact and breaking traditional moulds.

As the project takes shape, Taylor Yates envisions not only the launch of an innovative collection but also the forging of partnerships with non-fashion industries. A rental, repair, and buy-back scheme is on the horizon, completing the product life cycle loop and ensuring a responsible approach from creation to end-of-life.

The innovative upcycled luxury project embodies Taylor Yates' dedication to changing the fashion landscape. With a focus on elegance, sustainability, and a vision for a better future, the brand aims to redefine not just fashion products, but also consumer perceptions and choices.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>