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Parents hail Ripon school's uniform recycling scheme

Friday, 16 May 2025 at 08:20

Outwood Academy in Ripon is combatting costs with a uniform recycling scheme.

Parents, carers and school leaders are praising a uniform recycling scheme designed to combat rising living costs.

The RE:FORM initiative, run by Trutex collects used uniforms, refurbishes them to top-notch condition, and resells them at discounts of up to 50 per cent.

With donation points at every school across the Outwood Family, including Outwood Academy in Ripon, parents can easily deposit items of uniform that are no longer needed.

Trutex then launders, repairs, and repackages the items for parents and carers to purchase via the Trutex website, with an interest-free option to spread out payments, further easing any financial strain.

Katy Bradford, Deputy CEO at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said:

“Our uniform recycling scheme has seen an amazing response.

"Parents and carers appreciate the affordable choices, and it's also a fantastic way to teach students about sustainability and waste reduction.

"This programme is truly benefiting our students and demonstrating environmental responsibility – a clear win for all.”

Besides affordability, this scheme offers environmental benefits.

Many garments, including blazers, trousers and some skirts, are made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, reducing the number of plastic bottles in landfills by millions every year and further boosting sustainability.

Over 10,000 garments have now been recycled by the Outwood family of schools since it started participating in the Trutex scheme in 2021.

Matthew Easter, CEO of Trutex, said:

“The successful integration of our RE:FORM programme across the OGAT network is fantastic.

"By providing parents with access to quality pre-loved uniform, we're not only easing the financial burden of sending children to school but also offering a significantly more sustainable alternative to inexpensive, short-lived clothing.”

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