WRAP to support textile recycling ideas

UK-based campaign group WRAP has announced details of a new grant program to support projects that provide infrastructure and technologies with the potential to significantly increase recycling capacity for difficult-to-recycle plastic packaging or textile materials.

According to information reported on sportstextiles.com, WRAP is looking for organizations that are creating new methods for recycling plastics or textiles in England. The group said projects must demonstrate that they go beyond current industry norm. They must also have a measurable impact, such as in terms of quantity in tons of plastics or textiles collected. 

In terms of textile recycling, the activities that are eligible for support under this grant are: 

• Plant / Machinery;
• Tools or technology/software that helps disassemble and sort textile materials;
• Automated processes for removing unwanted items from clothing prior to recycling (e.g. zips, studs);
• Automated sorting processes for used textiles by fiber type, and/or by color.

WRAP will provide funding of between £200,000 and £1 million for individual projects. The closing date for applications for stage 1 outline proposals is August 2. The outcome of the assessment for this first stage will be announced the week of Sept. 18.