Ettos secures Innovate UK grant to advance textile traceability platform

Ettos, a Nottingham-based tech start-up, has been awarded a significant grant from Innovate UK as part of the Creative Catalyst programme. The funding will accelerate the development of Ettos’ textile traceability platform, aimed at improving transparency and accountability across the textile industry.

Founded by siblings Adriana Romano Batty and Gianni Romano, Ettos was established with a focus on sustainable fashion and ethical sourcing. Leveraging their expertise in fashion technology and sustainability, Adriana and Gianni created a software solution to address one of the fashion industry’s pressing issues: supply chain transparency.

The Ettos platform uses advanced technology to trace the journey of textiles from raw materials to finished products, helping consumers make informed choices and supporting brands and manufacturers in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced goods.

A central feature of the Ettos platform is its support for Digital Product Passports (DPPs), which are expected to become a requirement under forthcoming UK and EU legislation. These digital records provide comprehensive information about a product’s lifecycle, from the sourcing of materials to disposal. DPPs are designed to promote transparency, support circular economy initiatives, and ensure compliance with new regulatory standards.

With the Innovate UK grant, Ettos plans to enhance its platform, allowing local and national brands to seamlessly adopt DPPs. This will help businesses meet regulatory requirements while fostering trust with consumers, who increasingly demand sustainable and ethical products.

Co-Founder Adriana Romano Batty commented on the grant: “Receiving recognition and backing from Innovate UK is incredibly affirming and shows that our vision of a transparent textile industry is achievable. Transparency is key to driving sustainable practices and Innovate UK’s support will be a huge catalyst in making that a reality.”

Co-founder Gianni Romano added: “The grant will enable us to integrate cutting-edge technologies that enhance the scalability and effectiveness of our platform. This will help brands drive comprehensive sustainability strategies, with material claim tracking and supply chain mapping all in one place.”

Image source: Ettos