I + G Cohen and Axion textile event to explore innovative recycling

Published by Kathy Wilkinson for I & G Cohen in Local Government and also in Central Government, Communities, Environment

Recycling specialists I&G Cohen Ltd and Axion Consulting are co-hosting a key event on November 13^th 2012 for local authorities, recyclers and waste management companies to explore innovative ways of diverting used clothing and textiles from landfill.

Entitled ‘What a Waste!’, the one-day seminar at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester aims to raise awareness of how textile recycling can generate new income streams for these sectors as well as highlight the environmental benefits of recycling or reusing textiles.

Recent figures from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) reveal that 350,000 tonnes of clothing are being sent to landfill in the UK each year, with a further 70,000 tonnes destined for incineration. If it was all recycled or reused instead, it could generate revenue of £140 million, WRAP states in its ‘Valuing our Clothes’ report.

“With strong demand for used clothing and textiles, we aim to create better understanding of the whole textile recycling process among local authorities and waste management companies so they can appreciate its value and relevance to them,” explains Elliot Cohen, Managing Director of Salford-based I & G Cohen.

“The event will give an insight into how used clothing is collected, sorted and graded and the potential for serviceable items to be reused instead of being thrown away. As an established textile recycler for more than 50 years, we have a wealth of knowledge and partnering experience in textile recycling programmes, such as textile banks, local authority or charity kerbside collections,” adds Elliot.

Among the high-profile industry speakers will be Alan Wheeler, National Liaison Manager of the Textile Recycling Association; Sander Jongerius of technology manufacturer Textiles 4 Textiles and resource management expert Ray Georgeson. Presentations will also be delivered from I&G Cohen and Axion Consulting representatives, along with proposed input from a local authority and a waste management company.

Jane Gardner from Axion Consulting says: “In the first event of this type, we will be highlighting the tremendous opportunities for textile re-use, which not only diverts this type of waste of landfill, but can generate new sources of income for local authorities.”

The event will also include a focus on recent trials undertaken by I&G Cohen and Axion Consulting on behalf of WRAP to assess the potential for washing and drying recovered textiles from landfill and the impact of textile feedstock on value.

Contact I & G Cohen on 0161 736 8899, email info@igcohen.com or visit the website at www.igcohen.com.