This week, Roberts Recycling Director Paul Roberts and Marketing Lead Lewis Webster were invited to deliver guest talks at Riverside College Halton as part of Green Careers Week at the Cronton and Riverside Campuses.
The sessions brought together students studying Environmental Science, Geography and Trade disciplines, offering a real-world perspective on the textiles recycling and reuse industry and the role circular economy businesses play in tackling textile waste.
During the talks, Paul and Lewis shared insight into the global reuse model that underpins Roberts Recycling’s operations. Students learned how wearable clothing collected in the UK can be prepared for responsible reuse in international markets, helping extend the life of garments and reduce textile waste.
The sessions also explored how Roberts Recycling partners with leading UK fashion and clothing brands, providing responsible, circular solutions. This gave students an understanding of how sustainability challenges within the fashion industry are managed at scale.
Students were also introduced to the nationwide recycling collection networks Roberts Recycling manages across the UK, partnering with schools, councils and charities to divert textiles from landfill while supporting community fundraising initiatives.
Alongside the operational side of the business, the talks highlighted some of the innovative projects Roberts Recycling is currently involved in. One example shared with students was the textiles to MDF board project, where non-reusable textile fibres are transformed into construction-grade boards.
The session also gave students an insight into the different career pathways that can lead into the recycling and sustainability sector. Paul spoke about his own background working across demolition, scrap metal and wood recycling industries, explaining how these experiences eventually led into the textile recycling sector. Lewis shared how his career developed from charitable partnerships within football and community sport, before moving into marketing within the sustainability and recycling industry.
The aim of the talks was to demonstrate how sustainability and circular economy thinking connect with a wide range of careers, from environmental science and engineering to logistics, product innovation, marketing and sustainable manufacturing.
Speaking after the visit, Paul Roberts said:
“I really enjoyed visiting Riverside College and meeting students who are clearly passionate about the environment and sustainability. It was great to share insight into the work we do in textile recycling and the wider circular economy, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
Roberts Recycling regularly works with schools, colleges and universities to provide insight into the textile recycling industry, helping students understand both the environmental challenges facing the sector and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.
