Primark is rolling out a nationwide recycling initiative in the UK,
\ninviting customers to donate their pre-loved clothes, textiles, footwear
\nand bags from any brand to be “reused, recycled or repurposed” via its
\nin-store recycling boxes to ensure nothing goes to landfill. <\/p>\n
The ‘Re-loved’ collection boxes will be available in Primark’s 190
\nstores across the UK and has been launched to help make recycling more
\nconvenient for shoppers, following calls from the non-profit WRAP (Waste
\nand Resources Action Programme) for people to protect charity shops from
\nthe influx of donations expected as lockdown eases. <\/p>\n
WRAP found in recent research that more than a third of the population
\nhave had a clear out of unwanted textiles and clothing while at home on
\nlockdown and it is encouraging the public to use other donation
\noptions, including in-store collections like Primark’s new scheme which it
\nstates are an often underused route for recycling clothing, but do prevent
\nclothing and textiles going to landfill. <\/p>\n
Peter Maddox, director at WRAP said in a statement: “Our research shows
\nmost people prefer to donate or recycle their unwanted clothes, and often
\nopt for charity shops as their favoured route. With shops just beginning to
\nreopen, that can risk overwhelming charities with an influx of donations.\n<\/p>\n
“Passing on clothes through retail stores is an effective, and often
\nunderused way to donate clothes. Primark is a signatory of the Sustainable
\nClothing Action Plan, and this new in-store recycling scheme for clothes
\ngives people even more options, and will help make recycling clothes easier
\nwith drop off boxes in stores on high streets and retail hubs across the
\nUK.” <\/p>\n
All profits from the scheme will go to UNICEF, Primark’s global charity
\npartner, in support of its education programmes for vulnerable children
\naround the world. <\/p>\n
Primark has partnered with Yellow Octopus, a recycling specialist with a
\n‘no landfill’ policy across the 21 countries it operates in, to implement
\nits recycling scheme. Yellow Octopus diverts around one million garments
\nfrom landfill every month and aims for as many donations as possible to be
\nworn again, with the remainder being repurposed into new products such as
\ninsulation, toy stuffing and mattress fillers. <\/p>\n
Katharine Stewart, ethical trade and environmental sustainability
\ndirector at Primark added: “We know people don’t always find it easy to
\nrecycle their clothes, textiles and shoes. And we know people have had big
\nclear-outs during lockdown. Now is the perfect time to be launching our
\nin-store recycling programme, making it convenient for customers to give a
\nsecond life to items from their wardrobe that they no longer need. <\/p>\n
“This will reduce waste going to landfill and help our customers to help
\nthe environment. With the profits going to UNICEF’s important childhood
\neducation programmes we are also supporting our global charity partner in
\ntheir work.” <\/p>\n
Images: courtesy of Primark<\/p>\n<\/p>\n