Over the last thirty years sustainability in fashion has been constantly framed within business, without asking questions about the nature of business itself. This has severely narrowed approaches to fashion and sustainability and resulted in more, not less, degradation of clothing makers and the Earth. 

The Union was formed in order to steer a smarter, better debate about fashion and sustainability. We recognize that researchers’ traditions of seeking out truth, critical discourse, full disclosure and ontological thought are desperately needed for the common good of the broader fashion sector. 

Business-framed approaches are muted by corporate risk analysis and closed to all but that which is actionable within the current sector. In contrast, we provide language, action and modes of working that are precise in their critical identification of issues and open ended in their responses. We engage with business, policy makers, the media, civil society and campaigning groups.

UCRF was formed in 2018 by Kate Fletcher, Lynda Grose, Timo Rissanen and Mathilda Tham. UCRF is a non-profit organisation and the Board and members participate in meetings and projects on a pro bono basis. The name of our organisation was inspired by the Union of Concerned Scientists, formed in 1969 in the USA, which fights misinformation, defends sciegnce, communicates with the media, the public and decision makers, and mobilizes its supporters to advocate for change.