Innovation & Circularity

Pushing textile recovery forward through technology, creativity and collaboration.

The future of textile recycling is circular. We're building it today.

The fashion and textiles industry is undergoing a critical transformation, moving away from a linear take-make-waste model toward a circular economy. At Roberts Recycling, we’re not only adapting to this shift, we’re helping lead it.

From advanced fibre identification technology to creative reuse initiatives, we’re investing in solutions that give textiles a second life and support our partners in meeting ambitious sustainability goals.

For brands, retailers, universities and innovators looking to move beyond traditional recycling, this is where progress starts.

From material sorting to circular design support.

Fibre Identification Technology

We’ve invested in near-infrared spectroscopy machinery to accurately identify garment composition at scale. This enables us to separate fibres by type, a critical step for mechanical and chemical recycling eligibility.

Circular Product Development Support

We collaborate with designers, universities and makers to trial new uses for post-consumer textiles. From homewares and furniture fill to packaging and building materials.

Creative Reuse & Upcycling Projects

We provide pre-sorted textiles for community projects, upcycling initiatives, and R&D, supporting education, design innovation and social enterprise.

Pilot Partnerships for Fibre-to-Fibre Recycling

As scalable fibre-to-fibre solutions emerge, we’re actively seeking brand and industry collaborators to help close the loop – starting with targeted material recovery and sorting.

Advisory for Circular Transition Planning

We offer insight and consultation to sustainability leads, product teams and circular economy managers on preparing for policy, product stewardship and EPR readiness.

Contact us

Who its For & Why It Matters.

This work is for:

Sustainability teams at fashion and sportswear brands

Retailers preparing for extended producer responsibility (EPR)

Universities, circular designers and material innovators

Councils and regional authorities trialling new reuse streams

Funders or NGOs exploring large-scale textile recovery

Why it matters:

Fibre separation is essential to enabling future recycling pathways

Material transparency and data are becoming regulatory priorities

Innovative reuse reduces waste and supports ESG targets

Proactive investment in circularity is increasingly expected by stakeholders and customers

Your brand can lead, not follow, in this space

Real Results:

Our fibre ID technology is already powering textile separation trials across multiple product categories, laying the groundwork for future fibre-to-fibre recycling in partnership with leading fashion and sustainability stakeholders.

Creative Reuse & Community Circularity

Not all innovation happens in labs. Some of the most inspiring circular solutions come from artists, educators and crafters and we’re proud to support them directly.

Through our textile donations programme, we collaborate with organisations across the UK to transform unwanted materials into meaningful new products. From bean bags and bags to planters and upcycled homewares, these projects showcase what’s possible when reuse meets creativity.

We supported Make CIC with textile materials for their creative contribution to Ecotricity’s Expedition One launch, an event celebrating sustainable living and regenerative futures. Read the full case study.

Due Diligence & Environmental Impact

Our credentials include:

  • ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
  • Environment Agency-registered Waste Carrier
  • Data handling compliant with industry traceability expectations
  • Partnerships with community upcyclers and creative reuse leaders

Circular Innovation in Practice:

  • Investing in pre-sorting infrastructure to meet future recycling standards
  • Reducing volume sent for generic shredding or waste-to-energy
  • Supporting Scope 3 impact reduction for brand partners
  • Enabling storytelling, brand alignment and sustainability reporting

We needed a partner that wasn’t just a recycler, but a forward-thinking ally. Roberts Recycling helped us understand where circularity is heading - and how we could be ready for it.

Sustainability Lead, Sportswear Brand

Want to lead in circular fashion and textile recovery? Let’s collaborate.

Trusted By: