Three major UK retailers—Next, Primark, and Tesco—are jointly supporting an industry-wide initiative led by the non-profit WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) aimed at redesigning the UK's textile recycling system to address the pressure on the industry caused by growing waste volumes and persistently declining resale value.

Key Points

  • WRAP research shows that the UK generates 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles each year, about 21 kg per person, nearly half of which is thrown into household residual waste; approximately 84% of discarded textiles are incinerated and 11% go to landfill.
  • The price charities receive for recycled textiles has fallen from £375 per tonne in January 2024 to £70 two years later, while the cost of collecting and sorting used textiles is estimated at £88 million per year.
  • The first phase of the initiative, funded by Next, Primark, and Tesco, has published a report mapping existing good practices and improvement options, with an industry action blueprint expected in spring 2027.

The initiative, called the "Textiles Collections Transition Programme," aims to improve how used textiles are collected, sorted, reused, and recycled, keep more material out of residual waste, and support the expansion of fibre-to-fibre recycling.

WRAP's research reveals that the UK generates 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles each year, equivalent to 21 kg per person. Nearly half of these textiles are thrown into household residual waste, of which about 84% are incinerated and 11% landfilled—a serious waste of resources.

The first phase of the programme, funded by Next, Primark, and Tesco, has completed a report identifying current good practices and potential options for improving the recycling system. Next, WRAP will work with retailers, brands, local authorities, charities, collectors, sorters, and recyclers to develop an industry-wide action blueprint, expected to be published in spring 2027.

The initiative comes as textile collection and sorting operations face growing financial pressure. WRAP reports that the price charities receive for recycled textiles has fallen from £375 per tonne in January 2024 to £70 per tonne two years later, while the cost of collecting and sorting used textiles is estimated at up to £88 million per year.

WRAP CEO Catherine David said: "Transforming textile recycling is an industry-wide challenge that no single organisation can solve alone. By investing in this programme, Next, Primark, and Tesco are demonstrating the leadership needed to move from vision to action and help build a system that works for the whole industry."

The programme will focus on increasing public participation, building a financially sustainable collection system, and improving the quality of materials available for recycling. WRAP is also seeking additional industry partners to test and scale solutions.

Katherine Organ, Non-Food Sustainability Manager at Tesco, said: "At Tesco, we are committed to reducing waste and helping textiles build a more circular future. By supporting WRAP's Textiles Collections Transition Programme, we are bringing organisations across the value chain together to develop practical, scalable solutions that improve collection, extend the life of materials, and unlock greater reuse and recycling potential in the UK."

Source: Next, Primark and Tesco back WRAP initiative to overhaul UK textile collections · Originally published 2026-10-12