Primark is rolling out a nationwide recycling initiative in the UK,
inviting customers to donate their pre-loved clothes, textiles, footwear
and bags from any brand to be “reused, recycled or repurposed” via its
in-store recycling boxes to ensure nothing goes to landfill.
The ‘Re-loved’ collection boxes will be available in Primark’s 190
stores across the UK and has been launched to help make recycling more
convenient for shoppers, following calls from the non-profit WRAP (Waste
and Resources Action Programme) for people to protect charity shops from
the influx of donations expected as lockdown eases.
WRAP found in recent research that more than a third of the population
have had a clear out of unwanted textiles and clothing while at home on
lockdown and it is encouraging the public to use other donation
options, including in-store collections like Primark’s new scheme which it
states are an often underused route for recycling clothing, but do prevent
clothing and textiles going to landfill.
Peter Maddox, director at WRAP said in a statement: “Our research shows
most people prefer to donate or recycle their unwanted clothes, and often
opt for charity shops as their favoured route. With shops just beginning to
reopen, that can risk overwhelming charities with an influx of donations.
“Passing on clothes through retail stores is an effective, and often
underused way to donate clothes. Primark is a signatory of the Sustainable
Clothing Action Plan, and this new in-store recycling scheme for clothes
gives people even more options, and will help make recycling clothes easier
with drop off boxes in stores on high streets and retail hubs across the
UK.”
All profits from the scheme will go to UNICEF, Primark’s global charity
partner, in support of its education programmes for vulnerable children
around the world.
Primark partners with Yellow Octopus for ‘Re-loved’ recycling
scheme
Primark has partnered with Yellow Octopus, a recycling specialist with a
‘no landfill’ policy across the 21 countries it operates in, to implement
its recycling scheme. Yellow Octopus diverts around one million garments
from landfill every month and aims for as many donations as possible to be
worn again, with the remainder being repurposed into new products such as
insulation, toy stuffing and mattress fillers.
Katharine Stewart, ethical trade and environmental sustainability
director at Primark added: “We know people don’t always find it easy to
recycle their clothes, textiles and shoes. And we know people have had big
clear-outs during lockdown. Now is the perfect time to be launching our
in-store recycling programme, making it convenient for customers to give a
second life to items from their wardrobe that they no longer need.
“This will reduce waste going to landfill and help our customers to help
the environment. With the profits going to UNICEF’s important childhood
education programmes we are also supporting our global charity partner in
their work.”
Images: courtesy of Primark
