Roberts Group International (RGI) was delighted to be invited by St Helens Council to represent the textile recycling industry at this year’s Youth Sustainability Forum.
Joining a range of organisations and specialists delivering interactive sessions on key sustainability topics, the annual event welcomed around 60 pupils from six schools across the borough for a day of discussion, collaboration and hands-on learning.
As St Helens Borough Council’s textile recycling partner, RGI was invited to lead the textile recycling workshops, sharing industry expertise and providing pupils with a behind-the-scenes insight into what happens to clothing after it is donated.
Journey of a T-Shirt Brings Textile Recycling to Life
Designed and delivered by RGI’s Community Team, the company’s Journey of a T-Shirt educational session encouraged pupils to think like textile recycling specialists.
Through interactive activities, discussion and real-world examples, students explored the journey of donated clothing through reuse, repair and recycling.
They discovered how textiles are carefully assessed and graded, why extending the life of clothing is always the preferred option, and how materials that can no longer be worn can still be transformed into valuable new products.
The sessions generated plenty of discussion, with students asking thoughtful questions and sharing ideas about reducing textile waste and giving clothing a longer life.
A Partnership Beyond Textile Recycling
RGI’s involvement reflects its wider partnership with St Helens Borough Council through the Liverpool City Region textile recycling framework.
Working alongside the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA), RGI manages the borough’s network of public textile recycling banks, helping residents recycle unwanted clothing and footwear while supporting reuse and the circular economy.
Alongside delivering textile recycling services, RGI is committed to supporting local communities through education and engagement, delivering positive social value for the area.
Working with schools, community groups and local organisations forms an important part of that commitment, helping raise awareness of the importance of textile reuse and recycling, while encouraging more sustainable behaviours.
Sharing Industry Knowledge
Lewis Webster, Head of Marketing and Community at Roberts Group International, who led the workshops alongside Marketing and Community Intern Hattie Shipman, said:
“It was fantastic to be invited by St Helens Council to represent the textile recycling industry at this year’s Youth Sustainability Forum.
“The students asked some brilliant questions, working really well together and enjoying finding out what happens to clothing after its been donated.
“Our Journey of a T-Shirt workshop is designed to make textile recycling practical and interactive, so it was great to see so many pupils getting involved and thinking differently about the clothes we all wear every day.”
RGI would like to thank our partners St Helens Borough Council for the invitation and everyone involved in organising another successful Youth Sustainability Forum.
