The Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) consortium has released a report detailing plans for the UK’s inaugural advanced textile sorting facility in the UK. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of fostering a circular economy in the UK textile industry, prompted by a funding opportunity from Innovate UK aimed at developing closed-loop recycling solutions.
The report outlines a vision for establishing a scalable advanced textile sorting facility in the UK by 2026, utilizing cutting-edge sorting technology to enhance efficiency and precision in processing textiles. It also explores the potential of automation to streamline sorting systems while highlighting the crucial role of public engagement in promoting sustainable consumer practices.
Moreover, the document lays out the environmental and technical justifications for the facility while outlining economic risks linked to inaction. It emphasizes the necessity for collaborative efforts between governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and consumers to facilitate the successful launch of the ATSP and to encourage UK manufacturers to adopt circular materials in their production practices.
The report stresses that overlooking issues related to textile waste could have significant economic consequences, yet establishing a circular system could yield substantial environmental and industrial benefits. It calls for unified action from government, businesses, and consumers to advance towards a fully operational ATSP, aiding UK manufacturers in sourcing materials from circular approaches.
Launched in 2023 by the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), the ACT UK program seeks to convert non-rewearable textiles (NRT) into high-quality feedstock suitable for fibre-to-fibre recycling.
With the UK generating approximately 744,000 tonnes of post-consumer textile waste annually, the report emphasizes the urgent need to transform this waste into a valuable resource. Over the past two years, the consortium has conducted various end-to-end trials that demonstrate the viability of utilizing 100% post-consumer material in new fibres, yarns, and garments.
ACT UK and its partners advocate for a collective effort to build the necessary infrastructure, secure financial support, and establish favorable policies that will facilitate the conversion of textile waste into a beneficial resource for the UK. Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, stated, “The aim of the project has always been clear: to lay the groundwork for a facility that turns waste into opportunity, and to support the UK market in moving towards circularity.” He highlighted the project’s success in uniting the textile supply chain, from major retailers to local manufacturers and recyclers, to collectively address a global challenge.
