The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL), headquartered in Kettering, earned well-deserved recognition at the prestigious Drapers Awards in London, clinching the coveted ‘Disruptor Award.’ This accolade celebrated SATCoL’s pivotal role in spearheading transformative changes in textile reuse and recycling practices nationwide.
The distinguished panel of judges acknowledged SATCoL’s proactive approach to an issue that many retailers grapple with – the challenge of textile reuse and recycling. What set SATCoL apart was its strategic investment in groundbreaking technology, particularly the advanced Fibersort system. As the largest charity-owned textiles collector in the UK, SATCoL leaves an indelible mark by repurposing over 250 million items annually, translating into a staggering 62,000 tonnes of textiles given a new lease on life.
At the heart of SATCoL’s success lies the innovative Fibersort system, a technological marvel facilitating the precise sorting and grading of non-wearable clothing and textiles based on fiber type, blend, and color. This not only ensures effective recycling but also contributes to the sustainable reintegration of materials into the textiles supply chain. Notably, SATCoL’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices goes beyond technology and is encapsulated in Project Re:claim.
Launched in partnership with Project Plan B, a specialist in corporate wear, Project Re:claim, initiated in June 2023, represents a strategic move toward realizing SATCoL’s ambitious vision – creating the UK’s first fiber farm. This ambitious project underscores SATCoL’s dedication to scaling up textile-to-textile recycling across various material types, marking a significant stride toward a more circular and sustainable fashion industry.
Kirk Bradley, Head of Corporate Partnerships at SATCoL, expressed profound joy at securing the Drapers Award, marking the first time for the organization. He emphasized the award’s significance, highlighting that it not only acknowledges SATCoL’s commitment to reducing textile waste but also recognizes the positive waves created through strategic retail partnerships. Bradley emphasized the clarity of SATCoL’s plan and the strength of its purpose in providing sustainable solutions, diverting a considerable volume of items away from the detrimental path of landfills.
As SATCoL continues to lead the charge in disrupting conventional norms within the fashion and textile industry, the ‘Disruptor Award’ stands as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and transformative partnerships that chart a course toward a more eco-conscious and circular future.
