From Next to N Brown to CircKit: What brands are doing to achieve meaningful, sustainable, transformation throughout the value chain
We know what fashion’s future should look like: Sustainable, scalable, and profitable. We know that change is needed, and we know what needs to be done, but how? The practical HOW, is still proving to be a challenge. How do we make our industry more sustainable, while remaining profitable?
On 16 October 2025 in Manchester, the annual ASBCI conference will bring together big-name retailers to pioneering technology providers such as CircKit and the cutting-edge research institution, the University of Manchester (UoM), to explore just this. From product development to end of life and reuse, AI and emerging technologies, circularity, and regulation, including digital product passports. Experts such as Stuart Trevor (Founder of All Saints), Giuliano Martello, (previously Paul Smith), Anne Davies (Fashanne), Jenny Holloway (Fashion Enter / Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation) and Suzanne Ellingham (Source Fashion) will share their insights and deliver actionable points as the fashion industry grapples with the transformation required.
Hear from Next about how the business is navigating its digital product development transformation. Lysette Kuwaki, digital product creation lead, will share the brand’s evolving journey towards digital transformation – from AI-enhanced design and block building to supplier engagement and digital twins – highlighting the wins, challenges, and future goals shaping a more sustainable and scalable fashion value chain.
Simon Platts
Joe Darwen from CircKit will discuss how brands and retailers can leverage the latest AI technologies to embed sustainable and circular practices in the design process. CircKit is an AI-powered platform that helps fashion and footwear brands to unlock circular growth and compliance, delivering data-powered insights that allow fashion teams and brands to concentrate on the creative and cultural aspects of fashion, while harnessing technology to streamline operational complexities. “This leads to the creation of long-lasting, durable, recyclable, biocircular and sustainable products, and not only enhances brand expression but also delivers significant business gains through cost reduction, waste minimisation, and improved margins and productivity,” said Joe.
The focus on circularity and, crucially, durability will also encompass end repair, reuse and repurposing. For pre-loved garments to be sold, donated, or repurposed requires more than simply the ability to make alterations and repairs; they also require gentle care that helps retain colour, shape and fabric condition. Tony Chvala, the new president of GreenEarth Cleaning, whose career has taken him from Sears to Amazon, will explain how to achieve true product circularity. He will discuss how GreenEarth Cleaning achieves this with its retail and manufacturing partners, and how this approach to extending garment life is an important consideration for other direct-to-consumer models such as rental and large-scale subscription services.
Hosted by the University of Manchester, the event will combine keynote presentations with panel discussions and fireside chats to cover the hot topics of the day and the urgent imperative for change. Speakers and panellists will consider both upstream and downstream processes, covering design, development and materials, manufacturing and the supply chain, before looking at retail, consumer behaviour and the business models that will allow all sections of the industry to thrive. There will be discussions around circularity and durability, and a spotlight on the regulatory landscape as a catalyst for change. Whatever your focus, you are bound to pick up useful insights and connect with experts who can support you along the way.
Furthermore, for those interested in emerging technologies, combine the conference with a day of pioneering technology insight by attending the 3D NEXT LVL UK event the day before.
A full agenda will be announced shortly via: asbci.co.uk. Tickets to the conference are £200/£350+VAT for members/non-members. A combined ticket to both days is just £400/£550+VAT for members/non-members.
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