The ACT UK consortium has published a landmark report outlining a practical plan to establish the UK’s first Advanced Textile Sorting and Pre-processing (ATSP) facility, a key step towards large-scale fibre-to-fibre textile recycling.
The Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) programme, backed by Innovate UK, set out to define how a national infrastructure could convert non-rewearable textiles (NRT) into high-quality feedstock for recyclers, aiming to keep textile resources in use and out of landfill.
With 744,000 tonnes of post-consumer textile waste discarded in the UK annually, the report makes a compelling technical, economic and environmental case for a scalable ATSP facility. It includes engineering specifications, site design, and details of advanced sorting technology set for delivery and operation by 2026.
Over two years, the initiative brought together retailers, manufacturers, recyclers, charities, and academic institutions to pilot end-to-end trials — from waste textile sorting to producing fibre, yarn, and garments made entirely from post-consumer material. These trials confirmed the potential of UK-sourced feedstock while identifying technical and commercial challenges in integrating recycled fibres into existing manufacturing systems.
The project also explored automation to enhance sorting accuracy and examined how consumer engagement could support a shift towards circular fashion habits.
“The aim of the project has always been clear: to lay the groundwork for a facility that turns waste into opportunity, and to support the UK market in moving towards circularity,” said UKFT CEO Adam Mansell. “What was really encouraging about the ACT UK project was how it brought together the entire textile supply chain – from major retailers to local manufacturers, technology specialists to recyclers – to tackle a global challenge with shared purpose. This report shows what is possible when industry works together, and it sets out a clear route forward.”
The report warns of the economic risks of inaction and calls for coordinated support from government, industry, and consumers to make the ATSP a reality. ACT UK is urging stakeholders to engage with its recommendations to secure the infrastructure, investment, and policy frameworks needed to turn textile waste into a valuable national resource.
