Unlocking the Potential of Textile Waste: ACT UK Releases Final Report on Fibre – to – Fibre Recycling

ACT UK consortium has released its final report, offering a practical, actionable blueprint for developing the UK’s first Advanced Textile Sorting and Pre-processing (ATSP) facility — a vital step towards scaling fibre-to-fibre textile recycling in the UK. ACT UK is a two-year project supported with funding from Innovate UK and led by UK Fashion and Textile association (UKFT)

Why ACT UK Matters

Every year, the UK discards over 744,000 tonnes of post-consumer textile waste — the vast majority of which ends up in landfill or incineration. The Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) programme was created to tackle this growing problem, with a clear mission:

To establish a national infrastructure that transforms non-rewearable textiles (NRT) into high-quality, recyclable feedstock — and keeps these materials in circulation.

Supported by Innovate UK, the two-year initiative brought together an unprecedented cross-sector collaboration of retailers, manufacturers, recyclers, charities, and academic institutions to identify and solve the key barriers to circularity.

What the Report Reveals

The final report outlines:

• A full technical and engineering design for a scalable ATSP facility
• Advanced sorting technology, secured and set for operation by 2026
• Pilot trials that proved the feasibility of turning UK textile waste into new fibres, yarns, and garments
• Economic, environmental, and social insights into the impact of scaled recycling
• Automation strategies to improve sorting efficiency and accuracy
• Public engagement approaches to drive circular behaviour among consumers

Through comprehensive real-world trials, the ACT UK programme tested every stage of the process — from sorting discarded clothing to manufacturing 100% post-consumer fibre products. These trials confirmed the technical viability of recycled materials while identifying ongoing challenges around integration with existing manufacturing systems.

A Collective Effort with a Shared Vision

“The aim of the project has always been clear: to lay the groundwork for a facility that turns waste into opportunity,” said Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT.

“What was really encouraging about the ACT UK project was how it brought together the entire textile supply chain — from major retailers to local manufacturers, technology specialists to recyclers — to tackle a global challenge with shared purpose.

This report shows what is possible when industry works together, and it sets out a clear route forward.”

The Cost of Inaction — and the Opportunity of Now

The report doesn’t just present technical solutions — it also highlights the economic risks of standing still. Without action, the UK risks falling behind in a global race to build circular textile economies. Conversely, investing in a national ATSP infrastructure offers significant benefits:

• Reduced landfill dependency
• Boosted UK manufacturing capabilities
• New green jobs and innovation
• A robust domestic market for recycled fibres

What Comes Next?

ACT UK is now calling on government, industry, investors, and consumers to act on the report’s recommendations. Establishing the UK’s first operational ATSP facility is the next critical step — but it will require coordinated effort, funding, and policy support.

Turning textile waste into a valuable national resource isn’t just possible — it’s essential.

Download the ACT UK Final Report here

(Image courtesy of UKFT / ACT UK 2025 report)