News updates written by CIWM’s commercial partners.
| Fleetclear | Waste company evolves smarter, safer service with Fleetclear |
| Greyparrot | Closing the 17-point aerosol recovery gap: Unlocking high-value metal and new opportunities for waste managers under DRS |
| Washed Aggregates Trade Association | WATA welcomes Ian Bailey to its Executive Board |
| Superfy | City of Melbourne Launches Australia’s Largest Smart Bin Rollout with Superfy |
| Dennis Eagle | New Terberg Matec UK ORUS 11HD offers market-leading payload |
| Impact Environmental Group | The Seasonal Approach to Container Safety, Are Your Containers ready? |
| SULO UK | SULO UK Launches an ‘Four In One Bin’ designed to Help Businesses Cut Costs and Improve Recycling Performance |
| Vision Techniques | Vision Techniques team up to support Breast Cancer awareness |
| FCC Environment | New Romney Reuse Shop expands after successful first year |
| Probe Industries | Probe Industries showcases latest dust and odour control innovations at ISWA World Congress 2026 |
| Kapdaa | Beyond Regulation: Kapdaa Drives UK’s First Automated Textile Sorting Processing (ATSP+) Value Chain in Steps to Build an Onshore Circular Industry |
| Beyondly | UK Packaging PRO: The future of RAM and engaging stakeholder feedback |
Fleetclear | Waste company evolves smarter, safer service with Fleetclear
London-based waste resource company Evolve Waste Solutions has partnered with fleet technology specialists Fleetclear to help improve driver behaviour, reduce fuel consumption and limit environmental impact.
Evolve is dedicated to transforming waste into valuable resources, specialising in the collection of food waste, glass, dry mixed recycling and general waste. These waste streams are processed at state-of-the-art facilities, using innovative technologies to maximise recovery and support a more sustainable, circular approach to waste management.
To support its rapid expansion and seven-day-a-week service, Evolve operates a modern fleet and relies on Fleetclear technology to help ensure its vehicles meet high standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.
Kevin Barcroft, Transport Manager and Academy Training Manager at Evolve, explains: “We knew Fleetclear from our previous workplaces and we’d always been impressed with the quality of their products and their way of working. We wanted a safety partner, someone who would work with us to develop a telematics system that served our specific needs.”
Evolve has rolled out Fleetclear’s AI-enhanced 360-degree DVR systems across its fleet and uses the Fleetclear Connect platform to bring together vehicle, driver and operational data in one place. This provides managers with real-time visibility and insights to support faster, more informed decisions.
Fleetclear worked alongside the Evolve team to develop a telematics solution tailored to its operational goals.
Mike Crowther, Business Development Director, Fleetclear: “We have a collaborative approach, which is a great fit with the ethos of Evolve’s founders. Not only do we share a commitment to safety, but both companies are focused on improving operational performance, developing the driver force and ultimately achieving long-term sustainability for customers.”
Inward-facing cameras provide an accurate record of events, protecting drivers in the event of an incident while creating opportunities for targeted coaching and recognition of good performance.
“Our drivers see the cameras as a safeguard rather than surveillance,” says Kevin. “They’re professionals, and the footage provides reassurance that the facts are there if they’re ever needed.
“Driving waste collection vehicles requires exceptional skill. Our drivers are constantly operating in busy environments around pedestrians and vulnerable road users. We want them to have complete confidence in both their own abilities and the technology supporting them.”
This approach reflects Evolve’s commitment to investing in its people as well as its fleet, helping to build a highly engaged and dedicated workforce.
Performance data supports ongoing training, encourages healthy competition through driver league tables and reinforces best practice.
The vehicles are also equipped with Fleetclear’s Progressive Safe System (PSS), ensuring compliance with London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) while enhancing protection for vulnerable road users through camera technology, sensors and audible warnings.
Together, the systems provide valuable information on driver behaviour, vehicle performance and incidents, helping Evolve continually improve safety, reduce environmental impact and deliver a more efficient service.
Greyparrot | Closing the 17-point aerosol recovery gap: Unlocking high-value metal and new opportunities for waste managers under DRS
Aluminium aerosols present a significant growth opportunity for recycling facilities, currently achieving a 68% sorting success rate compared to 85.3% for standard drinks cans.
Closing this 17-point recovery gap allows MRF operators to capture high-value secondary metal and optimize overall sorting performance. Extensive data from Deepnest by Greyparrot, tracking 1.2 billion waste items across the UK, US, and the Netherlands (including 395,424 aerosols), highlights clear pathways to bridge this gap effectively.
These insights were shared during the Deepnest webinar ‘Can aerosols reach recovery parity with beverage cans?’ featuring experts from Biffa, Ball Corporation, and Alupro, chaired by Yaseed Chaumoo, Managing Director of Deepnest by Greyparrot.
The value for MRF operators: Incoming EPR regulations establish ambitious 50%–60% recycling targets for non-beverage aluminium by 2030.
Capturing aerosols that previously slipped into residue offers immediate financial and operational upside – slashing disposal fees while unlocking new, high-margin revenue streams as DRS reshapes kerbside inputs.
The real recovery rate is lower than 68%
The true overall aerosol recycling rate is roughly 40% when factoring in kerbside capture (55%–60%). Improving kerbside collection is critical, but maximizing MRF recovery for arriving material is equally essential.
Deformation and the post-DRS stream
88% of aerosols arrive at facility infeed squashed or misshapen due to compaction in collection vehicles, rather than plant machinery.
As the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) takes effect in 2027 and beverage cans move to dedicated return points, aerosols will represent a significantly larger share of MRF aluminium throughput. Proactively fine-tuning optical, magnetic, and eddy current systems for an aerosol-rich stream enables plant managers to maximize recovery rates, enhance plant efficiency, and capture superior value from remaining kerbside aluminium.
Three design variables worth testing
The panel identified three operational and design variables that directly affect sortability on the belt:
- Weight and material mix: Thicker walls and plastic components add weight without electrical conductivity, causing eddy current separators to throw aerosols shorter distances. Steel valve cups may also cause overband magnets to misroute aerosols into steel lines.
- Component detachment: Over 96% of caps and 50% of spray nozzles detach prior to sorting. Detached plastic ends up in residue streams, while attached plastic burns off during smelting.
- Separator settings: Eddy current separator (ECS) settings—belt speed, rotor speed, and splitter positioning—can be recalibrated to ensure heavier aerosol formats are properly ejected.
The data behind the discussion is published in Deepnest’s Aerosol Recovery Gap Report.
Washed Aggregates Trade Association | WATA welcomes Ian Bailey to its Executive Board
The Washed Aggregate Trade Association (WATA) has welcomed Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kalex Limited, as the newest member of its Executive Board.
Ian brings more than 30 years’ experience in construction and waste management consultancy, with specialist expertise in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance and technical waste management.
As a supplier representative on the Board, Ian will bring valuable technical and regulatory insight to WATA’s work, including its ambition to see Fine Aggregate Material (FAM) recognised as a resource rather than a waste, a change that could deliver significant benefits for the washed aggregates sector and the wider construction industry.
Andy Hill, CEO of WATA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ian to the WATA Executive Board. His extensive experience in waste management and regulatory compliance will bring valuable expertise to our work, particularly as we continue to champion the recognition of fine aggregate material as a resource.”
“We look forward to working with him to represent our members and support the future of the washed aggregates sector.”
Ian will attend his first Executive Board meeting tomorrow, (October 20th) when WATA holds its Autumn Board and Members’ meetings.
Superfy | City of Melbourne Launches Australia’s Largest Smart Bin Rollout with Superfy
500 solar-powered compacting bins across the CBD, Southbank and riverside parks with additional 3000 existing bins added to Superfy’s smart management platform
The City of Melbourne is undertaking Australia’s largest smart bin rollout, replacing all existing bins in the CBD with 500 solar-powered compacting bins for general waste and recycling in a five-year contract awarded to smart waste and recycling technology company Superfy after a successful pilot completed in 2025.
Installation has begun in September and will be completed by the end of November, with bins located across the CBD, Southbank and parks along the Yarra River.
The rollout of Superfy’s platform will enable the City of Melbourne to phase out fixed-route collections replaced with on-demand pickups.
Each Superfy S200 BriteBin manufactured by PEL and Installed and managed by Superfy, has solar-powered compaction and fill-level sensors that trigger a collection only when a bin reaches 85 per cent capacity, replacing fixed-route pickups with on-demand collections and directly cutting truck movements through the city.
Any bin that reaches full capacity triggers a priority dispatch, while the sealed, non-touch design prevents spillage, pests and litter.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the new solar-powered bins will supercharge Melbourne’s ability to keep the city sparkling. “Melbourne is putting its bins on the sunshine diet – powered by the sun, compacting more rubbish and telling our crews when they need emptying.”
“Keeping our city clean is one of our fundamentals. Last year we removed more than 6,000 tonnes of rubbish from Melbourne’s streets – almost 20 per cent more than the year before.”
“These bins mean less wasted time, fewer unnecessary collections and more efficient cleaning – using smart technology to keep Melbourne looking its best.”
“The new smart bins have sensors which alert our team to when they need be emptied.”
“There’s nothing worse than an overflowing bin, and the new technology will help us keep Melbourne clean and at its best.”
Safety and Sustainability
Safety and accessibility are built into the bins which are able to hold 4 times the amount of waste a regular litter can by compacting it., The bins feature a contactless opening flap, integrated foot pedal, andevery unit is wheelchair accessible.
The AI-enabled Superfy platform gives provides insights to make decisions about collection frequency, bin placement and resourcing, and automatically reports recycling diversion rates.. The platform also gives visibility across the entire bin estate of more than 3,000 locations and will be used by collection partners to manage and schedule collections.
Superfy’s committed targets for the contract include a 10 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, 20 per cent of transport delivered by low-emission vehicles, a 20 per cent year-on-year reduction in waste to landfill, and material recovery rates of 30 to 50 per cent, all reported annually.
Darren O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer, Superfy commended the council on its ambitions. “The City of Melbourne is a smart city leader, and we are delighted to have been chosen to help them with their smart waste and recycling management that will deliver significantly on costs and sustainability, a challenge for our whole industry”, Darren says.
“Waste collection has traditionally been blind. Trucks run fixed routes on fixed schedules regardless of whether bins are full or empty, which means wasted fuel, unnecessary emissions and, at the other end, overflowing bins on busy weekends. Waste management providers also increasingly need to evidence their diversion rates, not just estimate them.”
“Smart waste management solves both problems: you collect when you need to, and you can prove where every kilogram went. With our robust equipment and AI-enabled platform, we are delighted to help the City of Melbourne achieve their targets and create local jobs with our maintenance partners along the way.”
Proven across Victoria and beyond
Founded in Australia and now headquartered at DCU:Innovate Hub in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Adelaide and Wilmington, USA, Superfy currently manages more than 50,000 customer smart locations worldwide, including a documented track record of more than 12,000 bins deployed across Australia through corporate partnerships, facilities companies and councils.
Australian clients include Brimbank Council, Tea Tree Gully Council, Kiama Municipal Council, Ecobatt, Recycal Group, Venues NSW, the University of Sydney, Melbourne Airport and Vinnies, while internationally the company’s municipal deployments include 800 smart bins for the City of La Coruña in Spain.
The Melbourne contract will be serviced by Superfy’s local Melbourne team, supported by a Victorian warehouse and parts depot for fast servicing and turnaround, with operations run under ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001-aligned systems.
Superfy is supported in Australia and New Zealand by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government’s trade and innovation agency. Eoin Hughes, Market Advisor Waste & Agribusiness comments: “Councils everywhere are under pressure to cut emissions and costs while keeping their cities clean, and Superfy’s technology addresses all three at once.”
“It’s fantastic to see a Dublin-headquartered company win a contract of this significance with a smart city leader like the City of Melbourne, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth across Australia and New Zealand.”
Dennis Eagle | New Terberg Matec UK ORUS 11HD offers market-leading payload
Terberg Matec UK, one of the UK’s leading names in waste and specialist recycling equipment, recently launched the latest addition to its range of satellite refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), the new ORUS 11HD.
Revealed at the Resource & Waste Management (RWM) Expo at the NEC Birmingham, the ORUS 11HD features an 11m3 watertight, leakproof body, a 4m3 volume increase versus its 7m3 alternative.
Manufactured in Worksop, UK, from reinforced, corrosion-resistant steel and mounted on a 16-tonne chassis, it offers an industry-leading 7.8-tonne payload for efficient collection of domestic and commercial waste.
Alongside an increased payload, the integral hydraulic lift on the new ORUS 11HD can handle vastly larger, heavier bins – from 120 to 1,280 litres – enabling operators to collect larger volumes in fewer trips.
The vehicle also features semi-compaction loading, allowing operators to adjust compaction levels for different waste streams. At the point of unloading, it has a 10-tonne tip capability, ideally suited to both food waste and glass collections.
Compact and low maintenance, the new model expands the business’ popular ORUS portfolio of high-performing, highly manoeuvrable waste collection vehicles. Its fully sealed body is essential for liquid retention while collecting dense, wet organic waste, preventing any leachate from spilling and ensuring fleets remain compliant with rigorous environmental standards.
“With Simpler Recycling legislation driving increased volumes of organic waste collection across the UK, we have introduced the ORUS 11HD to help operators maximise payloads and improve efficiency,” said Kevin Forbes, General Sales Manager at Terberg Matec UK.
“It is the only fully sealed, tipping waste collection body of its volume on the market, making the ORUS 11HD a class-leading, game-changing vehicle for waste and recycling operators.”
The ORUS 11HD increases the capacity of the trusted ORUS range while maintaining essential familiarity for RCV operators. Compatible with dynamic bin weighing and RFID systems, the new vehicle enables fleet managers to gain even greater value from their waste by accumulating actionable data and fleet tracking information in real-time.
The ORUS 11HD will be available for operational demonstrations in the coming months. Orders are now being taken for this uniquely developed, next-generation equipment, which is available for 2027 delivery.
Impact Environmental Group | The Seasonal Approach to Container Safety, Are Your Containers ready?
With the changeable weather, the demands placed on waste infrastructure shifts. Is your container fleet prepared?
As autumn gives way to winter, waste operators, local authorities and commercial businesses face a new set of challenges. From increased rainfall and high winds to reduced daylight and changing public behaviour, the colder months bring renewed attention to the security and condition of waste containers.
At Impact Environmental Group (IEG), we believe effective waste management goes beyond simply containing waste. It’s about protecting the people and our environment.
Container Security That Safeguards the Public
Traditionally, container security has focused on preventing unauthorised access, protecting waste streams and reducing contamination.
But there’s another important question operators need to consider: What happens if somebody gets inside?
The newly introduced DuraFlex Easy Release Lock challenges conventional approaches to container security by providing a means of escape from within, should somebody become trapped.
It’s a simple but important advancement in container functionality, designed to maintain external security while introducing an additional safeguard for the public.
As temperatures fall and the risks associated with seeking shelter in waste containers become more concerning, considering potential entrapment is an important part of responsible fleet management.
Protecting Waste Streams Against the Elements
Seasonal changes also expose vulnerabilities in ageing or poorly maintained container fleets.
Damaged lids, compromised seals, faulty locking mechanisms and deteriorating components can leave waste exposed to rainwater, pests and unauthorised access.
Taking a proactive approach to container maintenance can help operators:
- Improve public safety through appropriate container security and access controls.
- Reduce contamination by protecting waste streams from water ingress and unwanted materials.
- Extend asset lifespans through targeted repairs, replacement components and refurbishment.
- Maintain operational reliability by identifying damaged or unsuitable containers before they become a bigger problem.
Through our comprehensive range of steel containers, DuraFlex lids and accessories, and onsite and factory refurbishment services, IEG supports operators in maintaining safe, secure and effective waste infrastructure throughout the year.
A Smarter Approach to Seasonal Readiness
Preparing for winter doesn’t always mean investing in new equipment.
Sometimes, the greatest improvements come from reassessing the assets already in operation, identifying potential vulnerabilities and making targeted upgrades that deliver long-term value.
As the weather changes our responsibility to protect waste streams, assets and the public remains the same.
Discover how Impact Environmental Group can help you prepare your container fleet for the seasons ahead.
SULO UK | SULO UK Launches an ‘Four In One Bin’ designed to Help Businesses Cut Costs and Improve Recycling Performance
SULO UK , under the Orwak Easi UK Ltd.’s umbrella, has announced the availability of the DECEM Four, the ‘Four In One Bin’, an innovative multi-compartment wheelie bin designed to help organisations increase recycling rates, optimise space, and reduce waste management and collection costs.
As businesses and public sector organisations face increasing pressure to improve sustainability and meet recycling targets, the DECEM Four offers a practical solution by enabling the collection of up to four separate waste streams within a single container and on a single collection route.
By replacing multiple bins with one compact unit, the DECEM Four helps organisations make better use of available space while simplifying waste segregation at source. The system can be configured to suit individual requirements, making it ideal for offices, retail environments, residential developments, educational facilities, healthcare settings, and local authority operations.
“Organisations are looking for smarter ways to improve recycling without increasing complexity,” said Karl Dawes for SULO UK. “The DECEM Four delivers exactly that by combining multiple waste streams into a single, easy-to-manage solution that saves space, reduces handling requirements, and supports sustainability goals.”
The ‘Four In One Bin’ is the alternative to the increased need for multiple bins. Available in 3 sizes, 240ltr, 370ltr and 660ltr, and with endless combinations to suit segregation needs the DECEM Four is a solution worth exploring.
Key benefits of the DECEM Four include:
- Collection of up to four waste streams in one bin. Configured to the customers’ needs which can be adapted, to a degree, post-delivery to suit ever changing requirements
- Improved recycling rates through easier source separation
- Reduced footprint compared to multiple containers
- Lower collection and operational costs. It reduces collections by 2.5 x
- Enhanced site appearance and organisation
- Support for ESG and sustainability objectives
The launch reinforces SULO UK and Orwak Easi UK Ltd’s commitment to providing innovative waste and recycling solutions that help organisations improve environmental performance while delivering measurable operational efficiencies.
Vision Techniques | Vision Techniques team up to support Breast Cancer awareness
Commercial vehicle safety and security specialists, Vision Techniques, brought their team together to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charity Breast Cancer Now as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
On Friday October 23, the team took part in the charity’s annual Wear It Pink campaign, wearing different shades of pink to show their support for those affected by breast cancer and help raise vital funds for research and support services.
Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s leading breast cancer charity, bringing together the power of science and support to help change breast cancer now.
According to the charity, more than 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, highlighting the importance of continued awareness, research and support.
Dave Smith, Managing Director at Vision Techniques said: “Looking after our community is really important to us, and we are always looking for ways to give back and support charities.
“Breast Cancer affects so many people, and as a team, we wanted to play our part in raising awareness and funds to support those affected by the disease.”
The initiative reflects Vision Techniques’ commitment to supporting its community, with the company looking forward to taking part in more charitable events and fundraising activities in the future.
Vision Techniques are the innovative driving force in vehicle safety and security systems, protecting not only vehicles but also the lives of employees, the public and the environments they operate in.
Loved by some of the largest fleets in the UK, Vision Techniques’ products are influencing and changing safety and security standards across industries daily.
FCC Environment | New Romney Reuse Shop expands after successful first year
An expanded reuse shop has officially opened at New Romney Household Waste Recycling Centre, following a successful first year that saw 31 tonnes of reusable items diverted from disposal and more than 2,100 items find new homes.
The shop, which first opened in 2025 as Kent County Council’s first reuse shop, gives unwanted but good-quality items a second life rather than seeing them thrown away.
Following its success, the facility has been enlarged to include additional retail space, three shipping containers and a covered canopy area, allowing more items to be sold and creating a better shopping experience for customers.
The official opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Jamie Henderson, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal Regeneration, who said: “The success of the Reuse Shop at New Romney has exceeded our expectations. In just one year, residents have helped divert 31 tonnes of reusable items from disposal and given thousands of items a new lease of life.
‘This expanded facility will allow us to build on that success, saving even more valuable resources from becoming waste while making quality, affordable items available to local people.
‘Reuse sits at the heart of the waste hierarchy. Before we think about recycling, we should always ask whether an item can be used again. Every item sold through this shop helps reduce waste, conserve resources and support a more sustainable future for Kent.
‘I’d like to thank our partners at FCC Environment, KCC officers, site staff and residents whose support and dedication have made this project such a success.”
Rory Brien, Head of Municipal Treatment at FCC Environment, said: “It’s important that we continue to offer these shops for reuse and provide spaces for reuse to become a daily habit. Our partnership with Kent County Council to expand this reuse shop is a direct response to its success since opening and that is something to be very proud of.”
Income generated through the shop supports local charities and helps fund future reuse initiatives across the county, extending the benefits of reuse to more communities.
The New Romney shop was the first Reuse Shop to open at a Kent Household Waste Recycling Centre and was later followed by a second shop at Allington. Together, the facilities are helping Kent residents reduce waste, reuse valuable items and support the county’s ambitions to move towards a more circular economy.
Probe Industries | Probe Industries showcases latest dust and odour control innovations at ISWA World Congress 2026
Probe Industries’ dust and odour management technology, which sustainably transforms air quality at industrial manufacturing, water and waste processing, recycling, and treatment sites, is continuing to gain global recognition, as the team is active on the exhibitions circuit.
Their latest innovation in industrial dust control technology is a focus topic at next month’s International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress in London. The new ProDual Dust Cannon™, a two-in-one, high-pressure dust suppression cannon with integrated water-efficient atomiser mode, addresses a range of dust and odour challenges in a single mobile platform.
The new system combines a high-pressure cannon mode for long-range dust control with a fine droplet atomiser mode to addresses long-range and shorter-range dust and odour management in a single resource-efficient system.
Probe Industries will also present its market-leading AiroPure® technology, a patented odour elimination solution used widely across industrial and open-air sites in the waste management, water treatment, healthcare and hospitality sectors, which destroys odours at source.
Designed for misting systems, AiroPure is biodegradable, non-toxic, and fragrance-free to permanently neutralise odours rather than only masking them to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.
Also on show is Probe’s AiroVive™. Based on the powerful AiroPure odour neutralisation technology, AiroVive adds a mood-enhancing fragrance layer to boost wellbeing, meet environmental responsibility targets, and improve site productivity. Inspired by the restorative powers of nature, AiroVive uses rain and forest therapy technology to lift and enhance mood, designed in partnership with world leading perfumers.
Victoria Taylor, CEO, Probe Industries, commented, “Following a successful presentation at the Waste & Recycling (WR) Expo in Fort Lauderdale in the summer, interest in our sustainable solutions is growing at pace across the globe.
In November, we’ve taken our latest products to Ecomondo in Rimini, joining world leaders in the discussion on the circular economy, and WETEX Dubai, the region’s largest sustainability and clean energy technology exhibition. We are proud to present our latest technology at the ISWA World Congress, to support our goals of setting the gold standard throughout waste and recycling management.”
Probe Industries’ market leading solutions also include AiroNaut™, ProFog™, ProActive™, ProDry™ and ProRain™, which offer targeted odour removal, dust suppression and misting applications in compliance with ISO 14001.
Visit Probe Industries on Stand 3 at ISWA World Congress 2026, 9-11 November, QEII Centre, Westminster, London to discuss dust and odour management solutions with the team.
Kapdaa | Beyond Regulation: Kapdaa Drives UK’s First Automated Textile Sorting Processing (ATSP+) Value Chain in Steps to Build an Onshore Circular Industry
As policy stalls, textiles technology pioneer Kapdaa advances commercial trials with major brands, charities and local authorities building the supply, demand, and technological infrastructure required on the roadmap to create an onshore UK textile reprocessing industry.
Textiles technology innovator Kapdaa has officially launched the scale up of its national circular economy expansion, unveiling a bold commercial framework designed to establish a self-sustaining, onshore textile recycling industry in the UK.
With statutory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates and public sector frameworks delayed, Kapdaa is bypassing regulatory inertia by evolving commercial trials of its patented Automated Textiles Sorting & Processing (ATSP+) technology.
By tactically aligning brands, local authorities, waste contractors, manufacturers and construction contractors, Kapdaa is actively engineering the dual forces of market push (feedstock supply) and market pull (product demand) required to unlock an onshore textiles circular economy capable of injecting significant capital into the UK economy.
The UK Textile Crisis: Industry Friction & Market Bottlenecks
The UK currently generates in excess of >1.4m tonnes of post-consumer textile waste annually. Historically reliant on foreign export routes, UK collectors and merchants now face severe financial pressure due to tightening import bans, elevated tariffs and oversaturated offshore markets.
Compounding this crisis is a systemic infrastructure gap:
- Manual Sorting Friction: UK textile sorting remains overwhelmingly manual and subjective, lacking the automated scanning or AI-driven systems needed to rapidly categorise complex fibre blends at scale.
- Fast Fashion Degradation: Lower grade garments and complex natural / synthetic blends degrade traditional resale revenues, leaving local authorities with mounting Energy-from-Waste (EfW) costs and increasing amounts of textiles in the residual waste streams.
- The Regulatory Void: While European nations introduce statutory producer fees, the UK’s wait for mandatory EPR has left the sector waiting for top-down intervention.
Kapdaa’s Mission, Vision & Philosophy: “Waste into Worth”
Kapdaa’s core philosophy rejects the notion that complex post consumer textiles are a low value disposal liability. Instead, Kapdaa views textile waste as a critical, high value raw material vital to national industrial resilience and a route to imperative decarbonisation for multiple foundational industries.
“The UK textile sector stands at a pivotal juncture where environmental necessity and commercial opportunity intersect, we cannot afford to wait years for legislative mandates to force change. Our vision is to transform UK waste into domestic worth by deploying high-tech, UK-developed infrastructure that bridges the gap between waste generation and high value manufacturing right here on home soil.” Matthew Gawn, Head of Development
Scaling ATSP+: Driving Supply & Demand Ahead of 2027
At the heart of Kapdaa’s onshore strategy is the patented Automated Textiles Sorting & Processing ATSP+ system, a UK developed technology stack integrating proprietary AI-enabled scanning, automated optical sorting, advanced mechanical tearing and precision fibre blending equipment. Coupled with the software to track and evidence waste-to-product and installation auditability with report ready ESG metrics.
To build the supply loop ahead of its planned 2027 scale up, Kapdaa’s ongoing trials are establishing the market mechanisms, economic motivators and value add required to initiate and mitigate an onshore model ready to scale:
Stimulating High-Quality Feedstock Supply (Push)
Kapdaa is partnering directly with waste management, councils, laundries, brands, workwear providers and charity sorters to aggregate standardised, uncontaminated waste streams. Every consignment processed through the ATSP+ platform receives a unique digital identity, providing partners with real-time mass-balance, digital traceability, automated Scope 1–3 ESG audit trails, and certified proof of diversion from disposal.
Creating Commercial Offtake & Product Demand (Pull)
Accurately sorted feedstocks are immediately reprocessed into high-performance, low embodied carbon building materials including certified thermoacoustic insulation, mats and underlays tailored for housing and construction developments. By supplying the construction sectors with high grade secondary materials today, Kapdaa creates market demand while preparing advanced fibre to fibre polyester depolymerisation and cotton dissolution pathways for tomorrow.
Unlocking Multi-Billion Pound Economic Growth & Regional Regeneration
Establishing a domestic textile recycling ecosystem represents a transformative industrial opportunity for the UK:
- Multi-Billion Pound GDP Expansion: Expanding the UK’s £62 billion fashion and textile sector by retaining raw materials domestically avoids costly export tariffs and protects UK textiles manufacturers from volatile imported virgin cotton and polyester prices.
- Industrial Heartlands Revival: Regional ATSP+ reprocessing hubs can be designed to integrate directly into traditional UK manufacturing centres driving green tech employment and specialised roles in chemical engineering, AI sorting and digital supply chain logistics.
- Municipal Cost Avoidance: Diverting non-reusable textiles into high-value manufacturing saves local authorities millions annually in municipal disposal fees and incineration surcharges, while supporting geographically focused decarbonisation targets.
A Call to Action for Innovative, Early Adopters
As Kapdaa scales capacity toward its 2027 high throughput regional launch, the company is actively onboarding forward thinking, motivated brands, waste contractors, local authorities, and construction contractors to secure long-term feedstock commitments, material and product manufacturing off-take agreements.
“By proving the commercial unit economics and digital traceability of ATSP+ through risk free trials today, we are giving private enterprise and local authorities the toolsets to act for tomorrow,” adds Matthew Gawn, Head of Development at Kapdaa. “We invite key stakeholders across the waste, resource, and manufacturing sectors to join our commercial trials and help shape the future of UK circular textiles manufacturing. Leveraging first mover advantages and not to wait for policy interventions.”
Beyondly | UK Packaging PRO: The future of RAM and engaging stakeholder feedback
Michael Jennings, Policy and Public Affairs advisor at Beyondly, writes that on 23 March 2026, UK Packaging PRO was appointed as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to work alongside PackUK in delivering the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.
Since then, they have been working quietly in the background to lay the foundations for the PRO to take over responsibility of certain tasks, with oversight from PackUK. These include communications and engagement, along with the development of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) and modulated fees.
Now, on 22 October 2026, after many long months of work, ‘A new approach to RAM updates‘ has been published – providing producers with clearer routes for engagement and greater visibility on how evidence is assessed and future updates are identified and prioritised.
Why is the RAM process changing?
The RAM outlines how producers should assess their packaging for recyclability against the UK’s current collections, sortation, and recycling infrastructure.
First published in 2024 for producers to assess their 2025 and 2026 packaging data, July 2026 saw the first major revision with the publication of RAM 2027 (for producers’ 2027 packaging data).
There has been a lot of stakeholder input in these documents, including the RAM Technical Advisory Committee, put together by PackUK. But unfortunately, due to the complexity around the sortation and recyclability of different packaging materials and formats, catching every single issue is nigh on impossible.
Now PackUK have delegated elements of the RAM update process to the PRO, a new approach has been decided upon, giving producers greater transparency and more opportunities to help shape the future of the RAM.
What’s changing?
Under this new system, open until 31 December 2026, the PRO is inviting producers and stakeholders across the packaging value chain to submit evidence, which will be reviewed to assess whether there is a case for change.
The PRO will then review submissions, passing on those with a strong case for change to relevant exports from across the packaging and recycling sectors. This will help develop recommendations for PackUK to use in future iterations of the RAM, and solidifies the aim of prioritising evidence-led improvements to make sure the RAM mirrors the UK’s current recycling infrastructure capabilities.
What does this mean for RAM 2028?
As this is a new way of gathering and assessing evidence, RAM 2028 is being deemed a ‘transition year’ as the process is developed and refined.
In practice, this means changes will focus on a smaller number of areas already highlighted by producers, rather than complete overhaul annually. This will give producers greater stability and more time to prepare for upcoming changes.
Other considerations
While this seems all well and good in theory, it will be interesting to see how this works in practice, with my main thoughts being:
- For stakeholders wanting to get involved, what counts as sufficient evidence?
- Is the PRO ready for an influx of submissions that contain only wishful thinking that isn’t backed up?
- How are priorities chosen? Will the loud voice of lobbying groups get priority over genuine environmental and recycling improvements?
- Balance participation: How will smaller stakeholders with fewer resources be able to contribute?
- As the PRO is the voice and representative of producers, who makes the final decisions for amendments to the RAM, and what happens when there is disagreement or conflicts of interest between producers, government and technical advisors?
- How will success be measured, year on year?
My final thought here is how urgent issues will be raised in this new system?
In their announcement, the PRO stated that they are currently working, alongside PackUK, on a review of the existing guidance around PFAS and direct printing on polypropylene (PP).
Does this mean that we are expecting changes and amendments to RAM 2027 before the year is out?
If so, what time will producers have to be able to adapt to the changes and produce relevant evidence?
And if not, how are the voices of disgruntled producers going to be calmed over the coming year?
Final takeaway
It is encouraging to see that the PRO being harnesses for the purpose it is intended; to rally the voice of stakeholders, to gather actual evidence for the betterment of pEPR scheme.
And I’d encourage those that are wanting to get involved to assess whether their evidence is sufficient, and the benefits of joining together with other voices in trade associations or industry bodies to amplify issues.
