Founded in 2009 by brothers John and Simon with a shared mission, we’ve grown from a family-run start-up into a national leader – supporting thousands of partners to reduce waste, drive impact, and build a more circular future for fashion and textiles.
Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of unwanted textiles: from nationwide collection to advanced sorting, global resale, and circular recycling.
Meet the DirectorsOur impact
1,000+
Tonnes of textiles processed monthly.
50M+
Clothing items diverted from landfill each year.
13.4K+
Tonnes of CO₂e saved monthly.
30+
Countries in our global distribution network.
1,000+
UK & EU partners recycling with RRLTD.
0%
To landfill policy.
£2.5M+
Raised for charity in last 12 months.
x3
King’s Award Winners for Enterprise In 2019, 2022 and 2025.
Our journey so far
2009
The beginning
Roberts Recycling Ltd is founded by the Roberts family with a single mission: to divert unwanted clothing from landfill and give it a second life.
2011
Expanding our reach
Our first large-scale contracts with UK charities and community groups begin, setting the foundation for our nationwide recycling network.
2015
Scaling for impact
We invest in new facilities and logistics, processing hundreds of tonnes monthly and expanding our export network across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
2019
National recognition
We are awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for the first time, marking our leadership in textile reuse.
2020
Adapting through crisis
During the pandemic, we continue to operate safely and sustainably, helping partners manage disrupted supply chains and unsold stock.
2022
Second Queen’s Award
We receive a second prestigious Queen’s Award, with international reuse volumes increasing across all continents.
2023
Fast growth recognition
Named one of Britain’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in The Sunday Times Hundred, recognising our scale and strategy.
2024
Innovation and investment
We move into our new Headquarters, with £5 million investment into facilities and operations to upscale. We invest in leading circularity startups like Birl and Eslando, reinforcing our commitment to the future of fashion sustainability.
2025
A landmark year – 3x King’s Award winners
We win the King’s Award for Enterprise for a third time, reach 2 million garments repurposed monthly, and launch sector-specific solutions for fashion, education, and public sector partners.
Our partners
Charities
We’re proud to support leading charities with bespoke, high-impact fundraising programmes, spanning hundreds of locations and raising millions annually.
Find out moreBrands
We work with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and fashion brands, offering end-to-end logistics, secure reuse, ESG-led solutions and Corporate Socially Responsible outcomes.
Find out more
Public Sector
As the official textile recycling partner to many local authorities, we operate at scale to serve the council’s community recycling needs.
Find out moreSchools and Organisations
Our solutions also support a national network of thousands of schools and community organisations.
Find out more
Industry membership
We’re proud members of the UK’s leading industry bodies, helping to shape the future of textile recycling.
Textile Recycling Association (TRA)
The UK’s trade association for collectors, sorters, processors and exporters of used textiles.
UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT)
Championing the UK’s fashion and textile industry across design, manufacture, innovation and sustainability. We were proud to be the first-ever textiles recycler that joined UKFT.
Also proudly registered with:
