WRAP has launched a new £1.5m grant fund to support textiles recycling and re-use projects. Small scale grants are available to cover capital expenditure on innovative equipment or technologies that increase the capacity, sorting, handling, and reprocessing of textiles. The scope of the grant covers both clothing and linen (household textiles such as bedsheets, duvets, pillows, curtains, rugs, kitchen linen etc.) and this can be from both post-consumer and post-industrial sources. Funded projects are expected to have partners. The funding will be available via a two-stage application process and grants must be claimed by March 2021. Further details can be found here.

The Salvation Army is currently building a new national reprocessing facility in Northamptonshire which will process a range of textiles. They are keen to speak to any BRC members who might be interested in developing and demonstrating projects which increase reuse and recycled content in products. Contact: Bernie Thomas, Circular Economy and Sustainability Manager, Bernie.Thomas@satcol.org, 0777 4886501.

The attached explains that the Salvation Army have now had to temporarily stop their clothing bank collections at supermarkets, etc. They will be encouraging the public to keep hold of clothing and other donations until they can begin these collections again. We understand that several other charities are also doing the same.  This position will be reviewed after the current government lock down measures, or before that if any special status is given in the interim.

Retailers and members of the public can still provide donations direct to local Salvation Army churches, foodbanks and hostels. Here they can donate food (preferably non-perishables as we have limited refrigeration capacity) and these will be redistributed to those in need. Arrangements can be made locally https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church, or centrally for bulk donations e.g. from large retailers. The large donations are being coordinated by Adrian.clee@salvationarmy.org.uk 07986 655787 who is keen to set up arrangements with national retailers and is seeking bulk donations of, in particular, non-perishable food.