UKFT unveils National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan
29/09/2025
UKFT has today set out its National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan, a landmark framework which, if adopted, would guide the UK towards a circular textile economy by 2035.
The UK generates more than 3,000 kilotonnes of textile waste every year but if we can capture, sort recycle and repurpose that waste it will deliver huge environmental and economic benefits. The plan outlines how we can make that a reality.
The plan identifies four priorities to deliver a functioning system: investment in infrastructure, skills and workforce, technology, and market capacity. It highlights the need for more automated sorting and pre-processing facilities, alongside innovation in fibre-to-fibre recycling and smarter logistics. At the same time, it calls for stronger end markets and value chains to ensure economic viability.
Delivering a new textile recycling infrastructure will require significant investment and shows how fundamental it is that the government rapidly adopts a UK textile EPR system.
“The National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan is a call to action,”
said Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT.
“By aligning investment, skills and innovation, the UK can cut waste, reduce environmental impact and create new economic value in textiles for decades to come.”
The plan is the result of two years of research and consultation led by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) and developed through the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It brings together insights from across the value chain – from local authorities and waste collectors to brands, recyclers and technology innovators.