While the agreement’s name has changed the signatories still commit to a 50% reduction in the overall carbon footprint of new textile products placed on the market, a 30% reduction in the overall water footprint of new textile products placed on the market, and industry collaboration to achieve the Circularity Roadmap ambitions.
Launched in April 2021, Textiles 2030 built on the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan 2020 (SCAP 2020), which came before it.
The Pact is signed by over 130 organisations across the fashion and textiles supply chain, as well as trade bodies and charities.
Mark Sumner, Programme Lead, UK Textiles Pact, commented: “For businesses, membership to the UK Textiles Pact unlocks interaction with WRAP’s team of experts to help solve problems, plus gives access to evidence-based tools, practical resources and collaborative working groups to tackle urgent sustainability challenges facing the textiles sector.
“The UK Textiles Pact is a collaborative, non-competitive and trusted network underpinned by innovation, expertise and collective determination.”
Environment Secretary Steve Reed reaffirmed the UK Government’s support of the Pact while addressing industry stakeholders in March about the Circular Economy Taskforce, stating that part of its strategy for textiles would involve leveraging the ‘Textiles 2030’ initiative.
Let’s explore five examples of the circular economy that showcase the innovation happening around the world right now.
The circular economy is an economic model that focuses on minimising waste and maximising resource use by keeping products, materials, and resources in circulation for as long as possible.
Instead of the traditional linear approach of ‘take, make, dispose’, the circular economy emphasises designing out waste, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products.
This system aims to create a closed-loop where the environmental impact of consumption is reduced, and economic value is maintained throughout a product’s life cycle.
In 2025, the circular economy is no longer a theory, there are tangible examples of the circular economy in action around the world.
The Festival of Circular Economy is a showcase of circularity across the globe. The three-day hybrid event – virtual on 20–21 May and live in London on 22 May – is all about transforming systems, rethinking materials, and designing waste out from the very beginning.
We spoke to five of the 60 speakers at the Festival about the inspiring real-world examples of the circular economy they’re working on.
1. Circular Threads – A Community-Driven Fashion Loop
By closing the loop at every stage from design to disposal, Circular Threads reduces textile waste and pollution and fosters local employment, skill sharing, and sustainable consumption habits.
Circular Threads reimagines fashion as an evolving ecosystem in a vibrant urban neighbourhood. It’s more than just fashion; it’s a movement reshaping clothing culture through circularity.
This innovative initiative transforms local textile waste into a continuous resource loop, creating a circular economy model rooted in community, technology, and creativity.
Residents can drop off unwanted clothing and textiles at smart collection hubs across the city. The hubs are home to trained staff and volunteers who manually sort items based on fibre type and condition using simple tools and visual guides to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
High-quality garments are cleaned and resold in curated second-hand boutiques, while worn-out textiles are sent to a local micro-factory.
At the micro-factory, a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern recycling technology is used. Natural fibre items are shredded and respun into new yarns, while synthetic materials are chemically recycled into raw polymers for reuse.
Local designers collaborate with artisans to create limited-edition clothing lines using these regenerated materials, which are sold through pop-up events and an online platform.
Consumers are incentivised to participate by receiving credits for every item returned, which can be redeemed for future purchases or creative workshops on upcycling and repair. RFID tags on garments track their lifecycle, encouraging transparency and accountability.
By Dr Adam Read MBE – Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at Suez
At SUEZ, we’re collaborating with a diverse range of customers to support them on their journey from linear to more circular, keeping resources in use for longer and reducing the demand on finite natural resources.
In autumn 2024, SUEZ partnered with Cofresco Foodservice to launch a solution for end-of-life food wrap dispensers used in the catering and hospitality sectors, as well as in some domestic kitchens.
Under the Return to Recycle programme, customers are invited to send their end-of-life food wrap dispensers to Cofresco and in return receive a voucher for a free Wrapmaster dispenser.
When the old dispensers are collected, SUEZ sends them to a plastics reprocessor where the dispensers will be shredded, washed and separated into polymers and metals, which are reprocessed and made ready for recycling into new products.
Elsewhere, SUEZ is running a pioneering repair, reuse and recycling project for wet suits and other neoprene items with the Wave Project, a charity working to improve young people’s mental health and well-being through surf therapy.
SUEZ has installed dedicated wetsuit recycling bins at Cornwall Council’s household waste recycling centres. Collected wetsuits are sent to The Wave Project’s Newquay store, where they are sorted and quality inspected, ready to be reused. Items that can’t be reused are sent for reprocessing.
By working together, this initiative is shifting materials up the hierarchy at the same time as supporting the Wave Project’s work to improve mental health amongst young people and make surfing a more accessible and inclusive sport.
3. Eco-Wise – Delivering Circular Value Networks as a Company Strategy
Rembrandt Koppelaar.
By Rembrandt Koppelaar – Research & Innovation Lead at Eco-Wise
Circularity is often limited by companies’ ability to offer options to consumers when products are no longer wanted. Many organisations aim to provide opportunities for repair, refurbishment, or improved recycling but are held back by a lack of visibility and connection to consumers, as well as to collection, repair, reuse, and recycling companies.
EcoWise has developed and tested a software solution over the past two years to make the invisible visible – measuring circular economy impact and enabling collaboration at each life cycle stage.
We have worked with major appliance manufacturers, including BSH and Gorenje-Hisense Europe, as well as collectors, repairers, and recyclers, to create their circular value network.
Already tested with dishwashers and washing machines, EcoWise’s solution will be rolled out at scale for Gorenje-Hisense tumble dryers in 2025. It is now also available for other sectors, including textiles, construction products and fast-moving consumer goods.
Our starting point is to provide a product identity and a digital portal where all parties can collaborate within a circular value network, accessible via a simple smartphone scan of a QR code tagged to the product.
Life cycle events can be logged, and specific circularity offerings can be made at each stage through a unique web page for each product.
Digital wallets with decentralised identities are provided to enhance security and trust in managing data access and provisioning. Supply chain information can be integrated and linked cost-effectively to the product life cycle, for continuous feedback for circularity-focused product design.
4. ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions) – Extending the Life of Clothing Through Circular Innovation
Michael Cusack.
By Michael Cusack – Chief Sustainability Officer at ACS
At ACS, our mission is clear: to extend the life of garments and maximise their use. As Europe’s largest circular fashion hub, we help brands and retailers move away from the traditional linear model of take-make-dispose and embrace a truly circular approach – focused on reuse, durability, and delivering measurable environmental and social impact.
From our purpose-built headquarters in Scotland, we process garments for rental, resale, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. Each item is professionally cleaned, ozone-sanitised, pressed, and repaired where needed before being returned to circulation – ready for its next life. Research by WRAP shows that extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by up to 20%.
We have more than halved our carbon emissions since 2019 while reducing our water consumption by over 60% – a commitment to sustainability that was recognised with the King’s Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development.
Circular fashion models are projected to represent 23% of the global fashion market by 2030, with rental and resale leading this shift.
We’re already delivering this future through our 7Rs – rental, resale, repair, refurbishment, rebranding, repurposing, and recycling – ensuring garments stay in use for as long as possible.
By embedding circularity across the product lifecycle, we help brands unlock new revenue streams that complement traditional sales, while significantly reducing environmental impact.
But for us, circularity isn’t just technical – it’s transformational. As a certified B Corporation, we believe the circular economy must work for people as well as the planet.
Our inclusive workforce programmes support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds – including people with disabilities, refugees, and ex-offenders – into meaningful, long-term green careers.
Circular business models are no longer a future ambition – they’re a proven solution to fashion’s footprint. We’re proud to be driving this change, one garment – and one reuse cycle – at a time.
A groundbreaking initiative in Telford and Wrekin is demonstrating how pop-up reuse events can successfully drive the circular economy while delivering significant social value. The project, launched as a joint venture between Veolia and Telford & Wrekin Council, has already diverted 60 tonnes of materials from waste streams while generating over £160,000 in social value.
Instead of committing to a permanent retail space, which often carries a significant financial burden, the partners opted for a semi-permanent approach through pop-up events. This innovative model has proven highly successful, attracting 3,317 visitors since its launch in April 2024.
The initiative has forged strong partnerships with prominent local charities including The British Red Cross, Maninplace Homeless Charity, Newport Canal Trust, FNKN, and Shropshire Youth Association. Through these collaborations, the project has raised £7,987 for charitable causes while providing a sustainable solution for reusing materials from household recycling centres and bulk waste services.
The project’s success lies in its multifaceted approach to value creation. Beyond the environmental benefits of waste diversion, it generates social value by providing access to low-cost household furnishings for the community as well as team expertise, investment, financial contributions to charities, and the donation of reusable items to both charity partners and council departments.
This case study demonstrates how innovative thinking in the circular economy can create multiple benefits: reducing waste, supporting local charities and building community engagement. It provides a replicable model for other local authorities looking to enhance their sustainability initiatives while delivering tangible social benefits.
These examples of the circular economy show that real change is happening around the world right now. Don’t miss out on discovering more about these innovations, book your place at the Festival of Circular Economy 2025.
Join changemakers and thought leaders from around the globe for three dynamic days of virtual live streams and in-person connections.
46% of UK adults want to see a charge introduced on single-use packaging similar to the carrier bag levy introduced in 2015.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults by environmental charity City to Sea also found that 42% of respondents want plastic-wrapped fruit and veg, plastic water bottles and all single-use plastic bags to be banned.
58% of respondents said they have endeavoured to cut back on single-use packaging in the last 12 months.
Some everyday habits have become ingrained in the respondents’ behaviours, with 68% saying they use reusable shopping bags and 58% saying they use reusable water bottles.
However, 25% of respondents report a lack of available options, while 20% cite a lack of reusable and refillable options for their preferred brands.
52% also report they’re confused with the language used to describe sustainable initiatives, indicating the lack of education from industry and government is another hindrance.
58% of respondents said they have cut back on single-use packaging in the last year.
Only 36% felt comfortable asking for a reusable bottle to be refilled in a café, restaurant or pub when they haven’t made a purchase, suggesting businesses need to make these services more welcoming and explicit.
72% of respondents want to see more reusable, refillable and returnable options where they shop.
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, commented: “Following decisive action against wet wipes and single-use plastic cutlery and plates over the last two years, these last 10 months have felt slow on plastic action.
“Each year our research shows the public are crying out for change when it comes to our single-use plastic culture but aren’t clear on how they can really help.
“It’s time for an industry-wide and government-supported reuse revolution to close the chapter for good on single-use and move to a sustainable future.”
The research comes weeks after the Global Reuse Summit, organised by City to Sea, where delegates called on the UK Government to support reusable packaging systems through ‘robust policy frameworks’.
CIWM Early Careers Ambassador Tabitha Skeats examines about two popular and exciting apps that can be used to reduce waste and promote sustainable more consumption.
Waste management forms an essential component to tackling the climate crisis. One way that individuals can contribute to a move towards net zero and reduce climate change impacts is through sustainable solutions towards waste management – such as reducing food waste.
How does waste management contribute to climate impact?
It’s well known that the production and disposal of waste has a significant impact on our climate.
As individuals we are all responsible for being mindful of what we are throwing away and should take advantage of what we can repurpose and reuse, to prevent unnecessary waste.
So, what can we do to tackle this? Here are two exciting and accessible apps that can be used to support individuals in a move towards waste reduction.
Olio
Olio has rescued 100 million meals from going to waste since they were founded in 2015. This is the equivalent of preventing 177,715 tonnes of CO2 emissions or 177,600 passengers’ flights from London to New York.
Olio is an app where users can easily upload unwanted items which are not in a condition to be sold but can be reused or refurbished.
Some successful collections for me include: a functioning blender, flowers, numerous pieces of furniture such as mirrors and chest of drawers, and even a bike!
Olio also has community features. Users can support local supermarkets and café’s in listing their excess products. For example, users can collect surplus food items on their ‘best-by date’ from big chains, such as Tesco and Pret, that would otherwise be thrown away.
Ultimately, Olio increases the life cycle of items and strongly promotes reuse and repurposing in a way that’s fun and engaging.
Too Good to Go
In 2020, the food waste prevention app ‘Too Good To Go’ saved 2 million meals from going to waste. This has prevented 5 million Kg of CO2 emissions- the equivalent to that emitted by 984 flights around the world.
The app supports business in preventing food waste through listing surplus food at the end of the day in ‘Magic Bags’. These mystery bags can be bought by users on the app for between £2-£5.00 a bag.
Aside from allergen advice, the content of the bag is unknown, making it a fun surprise! Some bags may contain a wonderful assortment of pastries and toasties from Costa, others may be an abundance of fruit and veg from the local shop and other times all manner of items, such as bread, cakes and crisps from Aldi.
A huge benefit of Too Good to Go is that not only is it preventing food waste, but also supporting local small cafes and restaurant in your area. This app is inspiring a collective movement towards fighting food waste.
The first North West Resources Forum (NWRF) took place on 29 April 2025, bringing together professionals from across the waste and resources sector, to share best practice, collaborate and network with their peers.
Genee Consulting Ltd, the organisers of the event, said the themes of the Forum were circularity, social value, and sector-wide progress. The Forum was hosted at the Greater Manchester Renew Hub, the ‘UK’s largest reuse facility’.
The Forum was hosted at the Greater Manchester Renew Hub, the ‘UK’s largest reuse facility’.
The forum featured a programme of expert speakers who shared insights, strategies, and ambitions for the future of the sector. These included:
Claire Shrewsbury, speaking on behalf of WRAP, who highlighted innovations and forward-looking strategies driving the circular economy;
CIWM Junior Vice President Vicki Hughes spoke about the importance of professional development and upskilling, and how these efforts can unlock growth for the sector through circular economy initiatives.
Dave Cairns from the Environment Agency outlined the Agency’s priorities for 2025, offering delegates regulatory insights to support planning and compliance.
Claire Williams gave an overview of the Renew Hub, illustrating its measurable impact on waste reduction and community benefit.
Commenting on the event, Nathan Hughes, Business Development Manager for Alfred H Knight and now a member of the newly formed NWRF Executive Team, said: “If you missed it, you missed a big one – an absolutely outstanding launch for the NWRF, with big hitters in the sector coming to see what NWRF is all about. Amazing spread of Councils represented and a brilliant venue.”
The forum will continue with quarterly meetings across the region and an Annual Conference, which the NWRF says are designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and respond to emerging challenges.
Jo Holmes, Managing Director of Genee Consulting Ltd and facilitator of NWRF, reflected on the launch: “The energy in the room was fantastic and the Renew Hub was an inspiring backdrop for these important conversations – we’re thrilled to see such strong engagement from across the sector. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a vital network for the North West.”
