Last month Roberts Recycling Ltd Directors John Roberts and Paul Roberts delivered a guest lecture at the University of Chester, speaking with fashion and design students about the relationship between the fashion industry and textile recycling.
The session explored the scale of the global textile waste challenge, the importance of circular systems within the fashion industry, and how design decisions made at the earliest stage of a garment’s life can influence its reuse and recycling potential.
Continuing the Conversation
Following the lecture, a group of students were welcomed to Roberts Recycling’s headquarters in Cheshire to see the company’s textile reuse and recycling operations first-hand.
Accompanied by course leader Jennifer John, the visit provided students with the opportunity to observe how textiles are processed within a commercial recycling environment.
Inside the Textile Reuse Proces
Director Paul Roberts led a tour of the site, explaining how garments are sorted and graded for global reuse markets, helping extend the life of clothing through international second-hand networks.
Students were also shown how non-rewearable materials are separated and prepared for recycling, ensuring textiles are directed into appropriate recovery streams rather than being sent to landfill.
Exploring Future Collaboration
The visit also included discussions around potential student projects with the University of Chester, exploring opportunities for collaboration around textile reuse, recycling innovation and circular design principles.
Engagement with universities forms part of Roberts Recycling’s wider commitment to supporting education and raising awareness of textile reuse and recycling within the next generation of designers and sustainability professionals.
