Viridor, one of the UK’s leading resource recovery and recycling companies, is delighted to announce that, through its We Share Community Fund, it has identified £75,000 to support the reuse sector over the next financial year. The funding has been allocated to Reuse Network, Library of Things, and Sheltersuit UK, to help advance their reuse and sustainability efforts.

Reusing products that would otherwise become waste is an obvious way to reduce our environmental impact, but is often difficult to make happen. Reuse extends the life of materials, products, and resources. This reduces waste, conserves energy and raw materials, and lowers our climate impact – as well as fostering innovation and helping communities rethink their consumption habits.

Viridor has an ongoing strategic partnership with Reuse Network, which supports UK charities dedicated to reuse. The sector diverts millions of household items from landfill each year, helping to reduce carbon emissions and support low-income households by giving them access to affordable goods. In 2024, the reuse sector reused 2.55 million furniture and electrical items, saving 1.5 million households £321.2 million. Viridor has allocated £35,000 of the funding to Reuse Network, which will provide digital support for the members, help the organisation run a media campaign and roadshows, and advance their research capabilities.

Library of Things (LoT) not-for-profit has received £20,000 to support their initiatives as part of a new partnership with Viridor. LoT enables users to rent household items from local high streets, extending products’ lifecycle before landfill and minimising further production. In partnership with councils and communities, LoT is leading London’s transformation into the UK’s first sharing city. It has provided 30,000 residents with affordable access to over 600 quality items across twenty-one locations. Later this year LoT will launch a ‘Sharing Library Incubator’ and ‘Seed Fund’ to help communities kick-start their own sharing libraries in towns and cities across the UK. Viridor’s funding will be used to provide a dedicated leader to deliver the pilot incubator and communication materials to promote these initiatives and expand LoT’s reach.

As part of an additional new partnership, Viridor has allocated £20,000 of funding to Sheltersuit UK, founded during lockdown in 2021 to make survival clothing for the homeless. This is achieved through repurposing waste nylons and polyesters, reducing greenhouse gasses and the release of microplastics. To date, Sheltersuit UK has prevented approximately 5,000kg of textile waste from going to landfill. Viridor’s funding will help pay for a machinist’s salary for eight months, as well as cover the cost of materials, and contribute to producing 700-800 Shelter bags in this time.

Kevin Bradshaw, CEO of Viridor, commented:

“Reuse is a cornerstone of the circular economy and an essential step in building a more sustainable future. We are delighted to support organisations like Reuse Network, Library of Things, and Sheltersuit UK, whose work not only diverts waste from landfill but also empowers communities and inspires important change. These organisations reflect Viridor’s mission to create a world where nothing goes to waste and I am delighted that Viridor is supporting this important sector – as we work together to drive meaningful impact on people, the planet, and the way we think about resource use.”

Craig Anderson, CEO of Reuse Network, commented:

“We are incredibly grateful for Viridor’s continued support as our strategic partner for the fourth year running. Their commitment has been instrumental in helping us ensure that the reuse sector is recognised and supported. Through this partnership, we have raised awareness of the importance of reuse, created new opportunities for our network, and empowered communities to embrace sustainability.

“Developing the reuse sector requires collaboration, and we are proud to work alongside Viridor to drive meaningful change. By extending the life of products and keeping valuable resources in use for longer, we can significantly reduce environmental impact while supporting those in need. Together, we are building a future where everyone can create a sustainable home.”

Rebecca Wetten, Co-Director of Library of Things, commented:

“Community-led initiatives – like sharing libraries – play a crucial role in powering the behaviour change needed for a society that borrows instead of buys.

“Sharing cuts carbon, reduces waste, and supports Net Zero goals. It brings communities together to boost skills, create local jobs, and help revitalise high streets by activating empty spaces. Borrowing, sharing and repairing are critical ingredients for circular, resilient communities.

“In partnership with Viridor, we'll launch the Sharing Library Fund and Incubator to directly tackle the funding barrier that prevents communities from launching and sustaining lending libraries.

“It’s partnerships like this that can create a tipping point for our vision; a high-impact sharing library in every neighbourhood, powering sharing towns and cities.”

Ian Sutherland McCook, CEO of Sheltersuit UK, commented:

“Sheltersuit UK protects rough sleepers by manufacturing the Shelterbag, a weatherproof insulated portable shelter. These Shelterbags are made from waste nylons and polyesters that would otherwise go to landfill, endlessly releasing greenhouse gases and microplastics. We also employ ex-refugees, taking them oﬀ benefits and into the labour market, where they contribute to the UK economy in taxes and National Insurance.

“Our motto is “people helping people”, and our partnership with Viridor exemplifies this. Their support is enabling us to employ more people who are distanced from the labour market – people often condemned to a life on benefits. The support also allows us to almost double our production, by protecting an additional 700-800 rough sleepers per year. With Viridor’s help, we are much more effectively dealing with the tragic situation on the streets of the UK."

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