In a major leap toward future-proofing the UK’s fashion and textile sector, the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University has introduced FASHTRAX, an innovative digital platform designed to help textile and apparel manufacturers navigate complex regulations, enhance transparency, and stay globally competitive.
Developed by the Institute’s Textiles Transparency Team (MFITT) and funded by InterAct, part of the Made Smarter Innovation programme, FASHTRAX equips businesses with the tools to comply with emerging legislation — including the upcoming EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) — through a user-friendly interface and intelligent diagnostic tools.
At the core of the platform is the Compliance Navigator, a smart tool that delivers customised guidance based on company size, product category, and supply chain structure. It maps 100+ regulations to over 40 international eco-standards, leveraging insights from the UKRI-funded LEGI-STANDARDS project.
“FASHTRAX is designed to simplify compliance in a complex world,” said Julie Hodson, project co-lead. “For SMEs especially, regulatory pressures around sustainability and digitalisation can be overwhelming. This platform changes that.”
Currently in its pilot phase with 20 UK industry partners, FASHTRAX is set for a full launch by late 2025. Early adopters will receive tailored compliance reports and recommended tools to improve transparency and efficiency.
“This is about futureproofing UK fashion,” added Dr Hilde Heim, co-lead and MFITT founder. “FASHTRAX empowers brands to adapt quickly to regulatory change, embed transparency, and foster innovation.”
The platform has already gained recognition from UKFT, British Fashion Council, WRAP, and the British Standards Institution, and will be shared with the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce. On a broader level, it’s also contributing to global conversations on sustainable fashion, with outputs presented to bodies including the OECD, EU Joint Research Centre, and CIRPASS-2.
Professor Jillian MacBryde of the University of Strathclyde and InterAct co-director praised the project:
“FASHTRAX shows how social science research can power innovation. It’s helping UK fashion build resilience and readiness for digital transformation.”
Beyond industry application, FASHTRAX is enriching fashion education, offering real-world tools to prepare students for a rapidly evolving sector, and laying the foundation for a consumer-facing version that supports ethical purchasing decisions.
As the global fashion industry faces mounting pressure to embrace circularity, digital transparency, and sustainability, FASHTRAX represents a powerful step forward in aligning UK manufacturing with international best practices.
