Business · Trade · 10 hrs ago
WRAP launches UK programme to improve textile collection and recycling
WRAP, a UK environmental organisation, has launched a programme to improve how unwanted textiles are collected, reused and recycled.
The programme will bring together retailers, local authorities, charities and other organisations involved in handling textiles.
WRAP says research found that 49% of post-consumer textiles go into household residual waste, amounting to 546,000 tonnes.
The UK generates an estimated 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles each year.
Collection and sorting are under financial pressure because the value of used textiles has fallen, while handling costs remain high.
The programme aims to make collection more accessible and financially sustainable, and to improve the materials available for recycling into new fibres.
WRAP will hold workshops with stakeholders and plans to publish a shared programme blueprint in spring 2027.
WRAP has launched the Textiles Collections Transition Programme to improve the collection, reuse and recycling of unwanted textiles in the UK.
Research cited by WRAP found that 49% of post-consumer textiles are discarded in household residual waste, amounting to 546,000 tonnes.
Primark, Next and Tesco are funding the programme’s first phase, which produced a report on current textile collection practices.
WRAP will work with stakeholders to develop a Blueprint, with publication planned for spring 2027.
The programme aims to increase public participation, build a financially sustainable collection system and improve materials for fibre-to-fibre recycling.
- Who
- WRAP, working with retailers, brands, local authorities, charities and other organisations across the textile sector.
- What
- It launched a programme to develop ways to collect, reuse and recycle unwanted textiles.
- When
- The programme was announced on 12 October 2026. The Blueprint is planned for spring 2027.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- WRAP says large amounts of textiles are discarded in household waste and the economics of collecting and sorting used textiles have deteriorated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Primark, Next and Tesco funded the programme’s first phase, which produced a report titled Transformative Practice in Textiles Collection.
WRAP announced the programme and said it would work with stakeholders through workshops to develop the Blueprint.
Publication of the Blueprint is planned.
The programme will test solutions to improve textile collection and support changes across the system.
- Textiles in residual household waste
- 49%, or 546,000 tonnes, according to research cited by WRAP
- Annual post-consumer textiles
- Estimated 1.45 million tonnes in the UK
- First-phase funders
- Primark, Next and Tesco
- Programme report
- Transformative Practice in Textiles Collection
- Planned Blueprint publication
- Spring 2027
Sources
Related news
HMV to close Oxford Street flagship in March 2027 over proposed rent rise
Stellantis and Renault back UK in proposed EU car industry rules
What rights do consumers have over auto-renewing subscriptions?
Women in male-dominated teams feel less safe admitting work mistakes
UK should offer financial rewards to whistleblowers, commentary argues
London stocks rise as investors weigh earnings outlook and higher oil prices
Healey urged to boost London stock market after £180bn takeover activity
European gas prices rise more than 150% as UK reserves remain low
Industry estimates 360 UK pub closures and 5,000 job losses in 2026
Zavvi Enters Administration and Tells Customers Not to Place Orders
Stryker to invest about $400m in CMR Surgical, with option to buy it
