Primark has established an in-store recycling scheme to help curb the impact of textile waste on the environment.

The value fashion retailer has rolled out the scheme across its 190-strong UK store network, allowing customers to donate their second-hand clothes, textiles, footwear and bags from any brand.

Customers can make donations to a collection box in-store and all items will be reused, recycled or repurposed, avoiding anything going to landfill.

Any profits from the scheme will go to Unicef.

The announcement part of the retailer’s ‘Primark Cares’ initiative, which aims to work towards a more sustainable future for the brand.

Primark ethical trade and environmental sustainability director Katharine Stewert said: “We know people don’t always find it easy to recycle their clothes, textiles and shoes. And we know people have had big clearouts during lockdown.

“Now is the perfect time to be launching our in-store recycling programme, making it convenient for customers to give a second life to items from their wardrobe that they no longer need. This will reduce waste going to landfill and help our customers to help the environment.

“With the profits going to Unicef’s important childhood education programmes we are also supporting our global charity partner in their work.”

Similar recycling schemes already exist at H&M, Marks & Spencer and Levi’s, each of which reward the customer with a voucher or discount code. 

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