Regenerative Fibre Networks: Designing viable traceable UK supply chains through nature-positive farming and novel digital systems, supporting livelihoods, climate action, and biodiversity to achieve net-zero.

In the UK farmers see wool as a waste byproduct; sold through the British Wool Marketing Board it returns just 33p/kg to farmers, meaning in 2019 income from wool was 3% of sheep revenue \[Defra 2022\]. Raw material production accounts for 38% of global apparel and footwear greenhouse gas emissions \[Global Fashion Agenda-2020\]. Therefore, the industry has an opportunity to significantly reduce the impact through regenerative farming.

The future of sustainable textiles production is building relationships with fibre growers - implementing regenerative farming practices, traceable supply chains, developing new routes to market and diversifying income streams. Collaboration across the supply chain from farm level is critical to scale uptake of sustainable agricultural practices - reducing environmental impact, enabling net-zero

Dash & Miller (D+M) and Pilio are developing a novel production model for traceable UK fibre that is regenerative and people-centric. Built on innovative technology alongside innovative wool growing practises to create conditions for Net-zero.

1. Climate and nature positive practices at the farm level.
2. Profitability and employment opportunities at all stages of the supply chain.
3. Traceability from farm to consumer
4. Resource utilisation as design driver

Dash & Miller (D&M) is a Bristol-based innovative design studio with 14+ years' experience co-designing and sampling locally sourced fibre and yarn textiles for fashion, commercial and residential interiors, as well as automotive and fine art applications. Since 2009 we have worked with high-profile brands such as Nike, Athleta, Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Thom Browne, John Lewis, Cos and Oliver Bonas, as well as automotive brands and textile mills across Europe, the US and Asia. D&M connects B2B and B2C customers with fabric manufacturers, delivering production-ready woven designs created with CAD software.

Pilio, our net-zero planet-centred design partner, is an energy and environmental innovation company born out of the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute in 2011\. Their carbon, energy, and nature software and sustainability advisory services bring science backed expertise and recommendations to businesses across the UK, enabling them to successfully implement sustainability strategies, reach net-zero emissions, and spur the green economy.

In this project we will work with a digital product strategist, who specialises in people-centred design and development processes. This will help us understand and define opportunities for people-centric systems. This project is a natural stepping-stone to our streamlined product development process, using traceable technology to encourage uptake of sustainable consumption and production habits.