Last summer, we partnered with Panublix in the Philippines, to look into how the weaving community located within rural areas both in the UK and the Philippines can become more credible actors within the wider, potentially global, and more sustainable fashion and textile ecosystem. This was part of the second round of the 2023 New Landscapes: Fashion, Textiles and Technology (FTT) Catalyst R&D Scheme.
The Weaving Toolkit: An Exchange Project Between the Philippines and UK Local Weaving Landscapes, was developed, in partnership with the University of the Arts London (UAL) Fashion, Textiles, Technology Institute (FTTI) and the British Council. Originally set out to document the barriers that weavers faced, as the industry face a global decline, in the UK alone the market size of the Textile Weaving & Finishing has been declining at a CAGR of 2.7 % between 2019 and 2024. The toolkit is both a celebration of the craftsmanship behind weaving, whilst acting as a guide as to how the industry can partner with remote weavers.
In the UK, Colechi had just launched AGREENCULTURE: Fashion and Farming; whilst Panublix were preparing to launch their platform championing weavers – and we learned so much from each other. The Weaving Toolkit was built to connect the weaving landscapes of the UK and the Philippines, as well as being a blueprint to change our thinking on how we can partner with different areas of the supply chain. The methodology included visiting weavers at their place of work, interviews and online discussions involving other stakeholders that play a role in the weaving industry, both directly and indirectly. Through the discussions with artisans, small-to-medium enterprises, and industry advocates, it provides valuable insights into how weaving communities can address shared challenges and cultivate a more resilient, interconnected industry. The process focused on creating space for artisans to articulate the economic, cultural, and logistical challenges they face. This research process also included a mediated online workshop, which allowed key stakeholders from both countries to exchange experiences, address mutual challenges, and explore ways to enhance the relevance of weaving within today’s globalised textile landscape.
The toolkit gives us an understanding of how weavers operate, yet underscores a common call for strategic support. It offers an invaluable perspective on how weaving—an industry steeped in heritage—can evolve to meet modern needs, from technological integration to sustainable production practices, including case studies. However, we admit the toolkit’s limitations, as we were only able to reach a small portion of the industry, making insights focused on a segment of the weaving community.
The Weaving Toolkit aims not only to document but to inspire action, inviting weavers, partners, and enablers to reflect on the future of this craft. As the report suggests, weaving has the potential to become a stronger, more sustainable part of the global fashion and textile ecosystem, offering meaningful contributions to both cultural preservation and economic resilience. The research uncovered a number of shared obstacles in both countries, from reduced investment in technology to generational skill gaps. Yet, despite these challenges, the report also reveals tremendous potential for transformation through collaborative solutions and a global-local approach.
“We’re incredibly proud of the outcomes achieved during the second round of the New Landscapes scheme. Yet again, this project has brought new and innovative ideas to life, with the potential to shape the future of sustainable fashion and textiles globally. The urgency required of the Fashion, textiles and technology industry to re-design its relationship with the environment and communities to reduce impact on the climate is now imperative.”
Professor Jane Harris, Director of the UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute
“We believe that weaving traditions and craftsmanship know no boundaries; they are threads connecting us all, strengthening the fabric of cultural preservation, economic growth, and global collaboration. Through dialogues, we’ve not only gathered information but also fostered relationships, a testament to the power of connection that contributes to the rich tapestry in this industry.”
Ria San Gabriel
