Roberts Group International Launches Sustainable Student Fashion Project to Tackle Textile Waste
Widnes, Cheshire - 5 June 2026 – On World Environment Day, Roberts Group International has announced a pioneering partnership with St Helens Council, Seamster & Shepherd, and Hope Academy.
The initiative, titled Hope for the Earth: From Reclaimed Textiles to Sustainable Student Fashion Show, empowers students to transform reclaimed textiles into original fashion pieces ahead of a summer showcase event in July.
The collaborative project addresses the urgent need for circularity in the fashion industry by bringing the sustainability message directly into the classroom.
More than 20 students will participate in comprehensive workshops led by apparel manufacturing specialists Seamster & Shepherd.
Through these hands-on sessions, participants will acquire essential skills in garment construction, including sewing, weaving, and crochet, utilizing materials sourced from Roberts Group International's nationwide textile collection operations.
This immersive experience allowed them to select the exact materials they will use for their final designs, connecting education with industry practice and demonstrating how discarded textiles can be reimagined to combat global waste.
Paul Roberts, Director of Partnerships and Commercial at Roberts Group International, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to be launching this project alongside St Helens Council, Seamster & Shepherd and Hope Academy. The idea of creating a sustainable fashion show using textiles that have been diverted from landfill is a fantastic way of bringing circularity to life for young people. It shows that materials often considered waste can be transformed into something new, creative and valuable."
"Just as importantly, it gives students a platform to express themselves, develop practical design skills and showcase their talents. We hope the project inspires them to think differently about sustainability and, for some, may even spark an interest in future careers within fashion, design and the circular economy," Roberts added.
Martin Kuchta, Co-Founder of Seamster & Shepherd, added, "It’s fantastic to be working alongside Roberts Group International on a project that reflects our shared belief that there is value to be found in materials that might otherwise be overlooked. Many of the techniques we’ll be teaching have become less common over time, so it’s incredibly rewarding to introduce these skills to a new generation. Young people have an important role to play in shaping a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to support the students as they develop their ideas and prepare for the showcase event."
About Roberts Group International
Roberts Group International is a forward-thinking leader in textile reuse and recycling operations, dedicated to championing ethical practices and advancing the circular economy.
By managing nationwide collection and sorting facilities, the organisation addresses industry-wide waste challenges while collaborating with local communities and educational institutions to inspire the next generation of sustainable innovators.
Roberts Group International (RGI) is one of the UK’s leading providers of global textile recycling and reuse solutions.
A family-run business established in 2009, we support the world’s leading brands, retailers, public sector organisations and charities to achieve their sustainability goals.
A three-time King’s Award winner for Enterprise in International Trade and winners of the Reuse Initiative of the Year at the Awards for Excellence in Recycle and Waste Management 2025, we are renowned for our expertise in the collection, sorting, and global resale of second-hand textiles - diverting more than 2 million items from landfill every month.
