Carrington Textiles Of The UK Support The Fashion Industry As They Repurpose Their Production To Help The NHS
Image Courtesy of Carrington Textiles
Carrington Textiles has been able to supply over 30,000 metres of specialised healthcare fabric to big fashion names including David Nieper, John Smedley, Maria Grachvogel and Reiss while the UK unite to fight COVID-19
As well as helping local sewing groups around the country with donations to make scrubs, Carrington Textiles has supported fashion brands around the country as they repurpose their production lines to make personal protective equipment (PPE) for the NHS and wider healthcare sector.
Over 30,000 metres of at least seven of our specialised poly-cotton healthcare fabric in over 10 different colours have been supplied to these fashion labels as they adapt their production facilities for making scrub suits, surgical gowns and clinical hoods, while the whole nation unites in the battle against COVID-19.
These fabrics are industrially launderable which means garments can be reused avoiding the environmental impact disposable PPE can cause.
Here a snapshot of some of the brands we have been able to provide fabric to:
David Nieper
A family business with 5 factories based in Derbyshire, that has been designing and manufacturing high-end ladies fashion for almost 60 years, is working with all the major Midlands hospital trusts including Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to provide frontline staff with high quality PPE.
The company which has just been awarded the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development has also worked in partnership with the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to produce a re-usable surgical gown which can be washed up to 100 times, reducing the need for disposable gowns.
Last month some of its designers, cutters and seamstresses returned to their posts to make scrubs, gowns and clinical hoods to NHS trusts around the UK.
Over 18,000 metres of Carrington Textiles fabric from its stretch range Xtraflex and Idra, as well as one of its best selling poly-cotton products for healthcare Undara, were supplied to David Nieper as the company turned its production lines to produce much-needed PPE.
Christopher Nieper OBE, CEO David Nieper Ltd commented: “Sourcing the right fabric has been a crucial element in getting the right PPE to our doctors and nurses on the frontline.
As soon as Boris Johnson announced the lockdown we came to Carrington Textiles and bought almost all the fabric on the shelves. We didn’t have any orders for scrubs at that stage but we knew we had to help in the national effort.
We were delighted to work with the team who have been able to supply great quality textiles as and when we need it.
Our doctors and nurses on the frontline deserve the best - it has been fantastic that British textile businesses working together have been able to contribute to the national effort.”
John Smedley
For over 236 years John Smedley have been creating ‘The World’s Finest Knitwear’ at their home in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, with the brand holding the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen as a seal of their quality.
From this week, John Smedley will be opening a special area of the factory that will be dedicated to creating medical grade fabric scrubs garments for the NHS, care homes and other businesses in need. All garments will be donated free of charge to local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes in the East Midlands and London areas as part of the Emergency Design Network.
The fabrics John Smedley has selected for this task are two of Carrington Textiles most popular products for healthcare, Cooltex Lite and Teredo, of which they received more than 1,800 metres for their first order.
“On seeing the need for hospital approved garments across the NHS, we immediately wanted to help mitigate the crisis and were able to quickly join forces with the Emergency Design Network to create approved patterns and source the relevant fabrics. We chose to work with Carrington Textiles for this, knowing that their fabrics are of the highest quality and would be more than suitable for usage across all areas of the NHS. The team were incredibly insightful and helpful to work with and we're delighted to be launching our scrubs this week” Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Design & Marketing Director, John Smedley.
Maria Grachvogel
British fashion designer with boutiques in London and Singapore, Grachvogel designs to many famous faces under her own label and is well-know for her shows at London Fashion Week.
Grachvogel repurposed her team in London and using Carrington Textiles stretch poly cotton Salo, the designer was able to create scrubs for local hospitals.
Grachvogel says: “I decided to set up FashionforNHS as a response to the overwhelming need for PPE in hospitals. As a designer with facilities to make, I was keen to be able to help and support as were many of the factories we work with.
The need for scrubs is in the 1000’s because there are many more medical staff now handling the pandemic, there is also the need to change and wash them more frequently because of the virus.
I felt this was something we could easily develop and make. We therefore researched and developed the pattern from a sample received from a hospital. We are then collaborating with the brilliant designer factories that usually make our clothing to make the production as well as my own sample machinist and production Manager, who has coordinated everything.
There have been 3 main factories producing, Gosha London, Maes London and PHD Designs in Manchester and cutting has been handled mainly by VisgUK. We have also been using Freightbrokers to handle all the deliveries, who have been transporting for free to the hospitals.
I have been blown away by the warmth and generosity of all involved as everyone has given their time and resource over the last month voluntarily. I have also greatly appreciated the helpful advice of Tony Raisbeck at Carrington Textiles, who guided me carefully on the best fabrics to choose.
We have been supplying a number of GP’s, trusts and London hospitals including St Marys and Homerton University Hospital ICU, who have all been very happy with the exceptional quality of our work and commented on how comfortable the fabric was.”
Reiss
Fashion brand Reiss in response to the shortage of PPE for the NHS has also taken steps to utilise their supply chain, stores and partners to help support the production and distribution of scrubs to hospitals across the UK.
Over 5,000 metres of Carrington Textiles best selling poly-cotton Teredo were supplied to the fashion retailer to produce the garments.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of its GTX300, a hybrid direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) garment printer that the company says sets a new benchmark for textile print quality.
To mark the occasion, Brother Industrial EMEA is offering eligible print professionals across the EMEA region a complimentary demo package to experience the printer's capabilities firsthand.
FREMONT, CA. August , 2026 – Fiery, a global leader in digital printing technology, has announced the launch of a new free online course designed to help print professionals master colour management for direct-to-film (DTF), direct-to-garment (DTG), and UV printing workflows.
The course, Fiery Specialty Production 301 v1: Colour Management Basics in Digital Factory, is now available on Fiery's learning platform at no cost.
Geretsried, Bavaria, August 2026 – RUDOLF, a leading textile chemistry company, has announced the launch of its Summer Campaign, a dedicated series exploring advanced finishing technologies designed to enhance the performance, comfort, and protection of swimwear and summer apparel.
The campaign arrives at a time when the demands placed on modern swimwear are greater than ever. Prolonged sun exposure, repeated contact with water, and the physical demands of summer activities require textiles that go beyond attractive design.
RUDOLF's Summer Campaign aims to demonstrate how the right finishing technologies can meet these challenges head-on.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of the Italian Lounge, a dedicated exhibition space celebrating Italian craftsmanship at its 2027 edition.
Taking place from 12 to 15 January in Frankfurt, the Italian Lounge will be located in the heart of Hall 4.1 and will bring together manufacturers of decorative and furniture fabrics, leather, and fibres and yarns under one roof
Pembrokeshire, Wales – August 2026 – National Weaving, a family-owned textile manufacturer with nearly four decades of experience, was honoured to receive a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), at its Pembrokeshire facility.
The visit celebrated the company's longstanding contribution to British textile manufacturing and its commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable production methods.
PHILADELPHIA – July 2026 – PRINTING United Alliance, in partnership with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE), continues to expand its popular Student Day experience at PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place Thursday, September 24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Designed to introduce students to the limitless career opportunities across the printing industry, this year's program will feature enhanced career development programming, expanded mentorship opportunities, and greater one-on-one engagement with industry professionals throughout the day's activities.
Dublin, Ireland – July 2026 – digitalprint.ie, Ireland's trusted supplier of wide format printing equipment and media, has completed the delivery and installation of two Epson SureColor S9100 printers to long-standing customer iGraphic, based in Newtownards.
The installation, which required careful planning and specialist logistics to position both machines on a first-floor mezzanine, marks another milestone in a valued, ongoing partnership.
Johannesburg – July – 2026 Experience the latest digital printing, vehicle wrapping and paint protection films at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026.
Arhus – Denmark – July 2026 – Mikkelsen Innovation ApS has announced that its FASTSEWN™ 3.3M has been named the recipient of the 2026 Pinnacle Award in the Technology category by PRINTING United Alliance.
The recognition highlights the machine's role in automating the final manual step in textile graphics production, combining automated sewing and laser cutting with keder application for silicone edge graphics (SEG).
Barbieri electronics is strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for its next phase of development.
With Viktor Lazzeri, who has played a key leadership role within the company for many years and is well known to customers and partners as Chief Operating Officer, Barbieri has appointed him COO and Co-Managing Director, further strengthening its leadership capacity to support innovation, international growth and even closer customer relationships.
Altrincham – Cheshire – July 2026 - Friedmans Ltd and Funki Fabrics have announced the arrival of new print designs, expanding their existing collection with a fresh range of trend-led prints available across a broad selection of premium fabric bases.
The launch offers fashion designers, production teams, and creative professionals a timely opportunity to explore new possibilities for their upcoming collections.
Leicestershire - July 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies is pleased to announce that HG Graphics, a leading provider of building signage and vehicle wraps across Yorkshire and the UK, has invested in a fully integrated print and cutting solution combining the VelobladeNexus with the latest Onyx Graphics software.
The installation, supplied and commissioned by Vivid Laminating Technologies, sees three printers feeding directly into HG Graphics' new VelobladeNexus with auto tool change — all operating under full Onyx Graphics software integration. The solution was delivered and set up on-site as part of a complete, ready-to-run installation
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - RENNES, France—Pointcarre, the French American textile CAD company known for its jacquard and dobby weaving software, has developed a new module dedicated to wall to wall carpet and carpet tile design.
The launch addresses a gap left when APSO, the longtime CAD platform for the tufting industry, discontinued its software more than two years ago, leaving mills and carpet designers without a clear path forward.
Accrington, UK, July 29, 2026: Soyang Europe has expanded its direct-to-film (DTF) range with the launch of a paper-based transfer media that offers an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional PET transfer film.
Named Soyang DTF Paper, the new product is a single-sided release-coated transfer paper featuring anti-static treatment and a hot-peel release.
Designed for use with digital inkjet DTF printers running water-based pigment inks, the media can be recycled through standard paper waste streams, helping print businesses reduce plastic waste.
London – July 2026 – Perfect Colours, a leader in print management solutions, has highlighted the availability of Print Factory, a unified Raster Image Processor (RIP) designed to deliver consistent, high-quality colour output across multiple printers.
The solution addresses one of the print industry's most persistent challenges: maintaining colour accuracy and consistency across different devices and workflows.
Las Vegas, NV – July 2026 – Caldera, a leading provider of print workflow software solutions, has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23–25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Visitors can find Caldera at Booth C1469, where the company will showcase its latest innovations in print workflow automation, colour management, and apparel decoration.
Ghent – Belgium – July 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS), a leading provider of digital cutting solutions, is calling on print, signage, and packaging businesses to embrace advanced materials as a strategic pathway to new markets, higher-value products, and more sustainable growth.
As competitive pressures intensify across the manufacturing sector, Kongsberg PCS is positioning its versatile, high-performance digital cutting solutions as essential tools for businesses looking to expand their capabilities and future-proof their operations.
The company's message is clear: businesses that invest in advanced material processing today are best placed to lead their industries tomorrow.
Bracknell – Berkshire-July 2026 – UFABRIK’s Soft Blackback Textile, a premium material engineered for tension frames, interiors, retail environments, exhibitions, soft signage, and beyond.
Designed to meet the exacting demands of modern display and signage professionals, the new textile sets a new benchmark for quality, versatility, and performance in the industry
Crewe, UK – July 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK's leading Mimaki distributor, has announced two dedicated demonstration weeks at its Crewe showroom this August, giving businesses across the print industry the opportunity to explore the latest Mimaki technology firsthand.
Taking place from 3rd to 7th August and 17th to 21st August 2026, the August Demo Weeks are designed to help businesses make informed investment decisions by experiencing Mimaki's wide format print solutions in a hands-on, pressure-free environment.
Florida – July - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its return as a Keynote Sponsor of the 2026 Wide Format Summit, marking the sixth consecutive year the company has supported the industry's premier gathering.
The event is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 July 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Clay Cross – UK – July 2026 – Resolute highlights its new DTF Pneumatic Twin Platen Heat Press, a professional-grade heat press designed to help print shops increase output, improve consistency, and reduce downtime across high-volume production runs.
The machine's dual-platen design allows operators to prepare the next garment while the current one is being pressed, significantly reducing idle time and increasing throughput.
This makes it particularly well-suited to print shops running large direct-to-film (DTF) and transfer print operations, where speed and consistency are critical.
Mexico City, Mexico – July 2026 – FESPA Mexico, the premier event for the print and signage industry in Latin America, is set to take place from 10–12 September at Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City.
The event will bring together professionals, suppliers, and innovators from across the region to explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of print.
TOKYO, Japan, July 27, 2026 - Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") is proud to announce that its production facility, PT. Indonesia Epson Industry (IEI), has achieved Platinum recognition under the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Validated Assessment Program (VAP), based on audits conducted by RBA-approved independent third-party firms.
This achievement underscores Epson's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) within its global supply chain.
London, UK – July 2026 – The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has announced its participation at two of Asia's most prominent textile trade events: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics (25–27 August 2026) and CINTE Techtextil China (1–3 September 2026).
The organisation will promote and support British companies across both shows, connecting international buyers, brands, and industry partners with the full breadth of UK textile expertise.
Kufstein – Austria – July 2026 – Zimmer Austria will exhibit at CAITME 2026, the Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition, taking place from 8 to 10 September 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The company will be present at Pavilion 1, Booth B50, represented through its regional agent, Textile Technologies & Services LLC.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – FESPA has announced that the European Sign Expo will return to Munich, Germany, from 6 to 9 April 2027.
The event will bring together signage and visual communication professionals from across Europe and beyond, providing a dedicated platform for the industry to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations shaping the sector.
European Sign Expo is widely regarded as the continent's foremost event for the signage industry.
Reken – Germany - July 2026 – FabricVision GmbH, a leading supplier of high-performance textile materials, has announced that more than 50,000 metres of its Lumiprint backlit textile are currently held in stock across its European warehouses and available for immediate dispatch.
The announcement comes ahead of the busy summer season, a period during which material availability is often cited as a critical bottleneck for print and display professionals.
.Gistel – Belgium – July 2026 – Summa, a leading innovator in wide-format cutting solutions, has confirmed its participation in the Wide-Format Summit, hosted by the Printing United Alliance.
Now in its sixth year, the event brings together wide-format industry leaders from across the United States for strategic discussions, educational sessions, and one-on-one meetings designed to shape the future of the industry.
The Wide-Format Summit stands out as one of the most focused and collaborative events in the wide-format printing calendar.
São Paulo, Brazil – July 21st 2026 – Sun Chemical will showcase its latest digital ink solutions at Febratex 2026, taking place from 18-21 August 2026 at Parque Vila Germânica, Santa Catarina, Blumenau, Brazil.
Visitors to booth 570, street 36, Hall 5 will have the opportunity to explore Sun Chemical’s comprehensive range of solutions designed to deliver outstanding performance, industry regulatory compliance and application versatility across the textile industry.
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