Member spotlight: Project Re:claim is scaling fibre to fibre polyester recycling in the UK (SATCoL)
02/02/2026
Project Re:claim is the first commercial-scale polyester textile recycling plant in the UK and provides a domestic option for fibre-to-fibre recycling at scale. Developed through a partnership between Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) and Project Plan B, the facility is now operational in Kettering.
“Project Re:claim represents a pivotal moment for the UK textile recycling sector”
End-of-life pathways for polyester garments have historically been limited. Project Re:claim addresses this by converting post-industrial and post-consumer polyester textiles, including uniforms, bedding and curtains, into recycled feedstock suitable for use in new products.
The technology is adapted from established PET bottle recycling systems developed by the EREMA Group. It enables the mechanical processing of polyester garments into consistent recycled pellets that can be spun into yarn and used in other applications. The plant provides a commercial route for brands seeking to incorporate recycled polyester derived from textile waste rather than plastic bottles.
Each year, SATCoL diverts millions of donated items for reuse and recycling, including large volumes of textiles. Project Re:claim adds another route within this system by supporting the production of traceable recycled feedstock. For brands and retailers, the partnership offers options to recycle polyester manufacturing waste and retired or faulty stock, as well as access to UK-sourced post-consumer polyester. This can support supply chain transparency and reduce transport-related emissions.
The partnership combines SATCoL’s collection and sorting infrastructure with Project Plan B’s technical and design-for-recycling expertise to deliver a closed-loop recycling process at commercial scale. The launch of Project Re:claim marks a move from pilot projects to ongoing commercial operation. It shows how collaboration between industry, charities and technology providers can support progress toward a more circular textiles system.
For UKFT members, the project provides a practical route to include recyclability and circularity within product development and supply chain planning. Contact the team to learn more about available support by emailing info@project-reclaim.co.uk or visit the website on the link below.