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Colèchi and Panublix introduce The Weaving Toolkit: An Exchange Project Between the Philippines and UK Local Weaving Landscapes. This new report, developed in partnership with UAL: FTTI (University of the Arts London: Fashion, Textiles, Technology Institute) and the British Council, sheds light on the pressing need for a sustainable, skilled, and interconnected weaving industry in the UK and the Philippines, highlighting shared challenges and offering insights for building a resilient and eco-conscious sector. It is an  exploration for 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.

The report is an outcome of the second round of the 2023 New Landscapes: Fashion, Textiles and Technology (FTT) Catalyst R&D Grant Scheme, launched in 2022 bringing together 6 UK fashion and textile small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and counterparts in Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries.

“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 

In the UK, the weaving industry faces growing demand for “Made in Britain” products post-Brexit, yet suffers from fragmentation, skills shortages, and a rapidly ageing workforce. Similarly, the Philippine weaving sector grapples with stagnation due to limited technological advancements and investment, despite its rich cultural heritage. The Weaving Toolkit provides a detailed analysis of these issues and calls for structured apprenticeships, cross-border collaboration, and policy support to sustain the art and craft of weaving for future generations.

“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

The research uncovered a surprising number of shared obstacles in both countries, from technological stagnation and skill gaps to a lack of investment and innovation. Yet, despite these challenges, the report also reveals tremendous potential for transformation through collaborative solutions and a global-local approach.