Part of JR Group UK, Yorkshire textile company James Robinson (JR) Fibres, has been recycling textile waste for over 160 years. Over the past 12 months, the company recycled 200 tonnes of carpet and anticipates this annual total to rise to 250 tonnes in 2017.
Carpet is sourced from carpet retailers all over the UK, primarily as waste from new carpet installation. They also source production waste, carpet thread and offcut waste direct from carpet manufacturers. Using specialist tearing and shredding machinery the carpet waste is turned back into its original fibre form. The resulting product is a mixture of wool and manmade fibres, which is used as loose fillings for various industries, such as doorstops, dog beds, and punch bags. Much of the wool is sent to JR Fibres sister company Texfelt, which makes premium needle-felt carpet underlay and technical non-woven insulation.
On winning the CRUK Recycler of the Year award, Texfelt Operations Director, David Teague (pictured collecting award from Andrew Bird, LARAC) said, “We are delighted to have won this award. Recycling is a key part of our group activity and demonstrates our commitment to the environment.”