Homewares retailer Dunelm has launched a new online textile takeback scheme, with the aim of limiting waste.
As part of the trial, customers can visit Dunelm.com to generate a free shipping label, choose a courier and select a place to drop off their used home textiles. The scheme will accept anything from bedding, cushions, throws and blankets, which do not need to be from Dunelm, as well as unwanted clothing.
All textiles from the scheme are then sent to The Salvation Army to be resold or recycled, helping to prevent unnecessary waste and extend their useful life. Profits received from the resale of items will be given to The Salvation Army.
The new partnership aims to encourage customers to divert more items away from disposal by separating textiles into ‘reusable’ and ‘non-reusable’ items, with clear guidelines given.
The trial is a part of ‘ACT UK’, a two-year project led by UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) to support the transition from the manual sorting of clothes and textiles that can’t be re-sold to a highly automated sorting and pre-processing system.
The trial builds on Dunelm’s existing store-based textile takeback scheme currently operating in 175 Dunelm stores. Customers can takeback unwanted textiles, with this scheme collecting c.100 tonnes of unwanted textiles for reuse or recycling each month.
Christina Downend, head of climate change & sustainability at Dunelm, commented: ”At Dunelm, our approach to sustainability is focused on being Good & Circular. This trial extends our existing takeback scheme, giving customers a digital option to send back their unwanted home textiles without the need to visit a store.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with The Salvation Army on this convenient solution so customers can help to reduce unnecessary waste whilst supporting the fantastic work being done across the UK for people in need.”
Dunelm was recently ranked Leading in the RetailX UK Top500 2024 report, due in part to its commitment to sustainability. Dunelm’s Pathway to Zero strategy includes a move to supply Better Cotton-certified materials, its first range of Remade products, developed on circular design principles, and “conscious choice” products that make up 15% of its own brand range.
Dunelm is profiled in the report, with the case study looking at how value for money and the customer experience are strategic priorities for Dunelm.
It is one of eight company profiles in this tenth edition of the UK Top500, with Amazon, Ikea, Next, Asda, Boden, Richer Sounds & Very also featured.
Download the full report for a ranking of the leading 500 retailers, brands and marketplaces that sell in the UK today.
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