ACT UK

ACT UK evaluated how textiles are collected and pre-sorted before industrial processing. This included collection trials with retailers and charities — bring banks, in-store drop-offs and postal schemes — to understand public engagement and the quality of segregated non-rewearable textiles. Results informed recommendations for future collection systems that feed automated sorting technologies

ACT UK conducted a Technology Market Review on conveyance systems, fibre identification, pre-processing equipment (for buttons, zips, trims) and size reduction tools. Emerging methods were compared with established standards to guide the ATSP blueprint. The consortium also trialled technology combinations and operational simulations to ensure real-world readiness.

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Key themes included:

• automated sorting and classification techniques
• integration of robotics and AI
• pre-processing efficiencies
• data capture and traceability systems
• informing engineering design for facility scale

Beyond the facility design, ACT UK tested recycling supply chain trials showing that UK-sourced post-consumer textiles can be processed through fibre-to-fibre systems to produce new fibre and yarn. Two ecosystem reports on the business case and the broader economic and environmental impacts of a UK circular textiles network are now available as part of the final deliverables.

The consortium developed a comprehensive ATSP site brief and specifications, inviting proposals from across the UK. These submissions were reviewed to shortlist favourable locations. ATSP engineering design has been shaped in partnership with Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems and TOMRA Textiles, ensuring efficiency, scalability and adaptability in future facility operations.