Our virtual discussion groups provide an opportunity to share learning, progress, challenges and questions with other members across the network.  Our Waste and Circular Economy Discussion Group bringing members together to discuss a range of issues relating to waste and resource management. 
 
Where possible we identify a suitable guest speaker to enable discussion at this group, to focus on specific topics for the first hour.  For this discussion group we are delighted to be joined by the Avena Group who will be presenting on recycling end-of-life textiles.  Currently, around 1.75 million tonnes of clothing & textile waste is created in the UK each year, with only 1% being recycled effectively (with much material destined for landfill or incineration.)  Textile waste is a challenge for many Fit for the Future members and one that many members have requested information regarding sustainable solutions to. 
 
Avena environmental specialise in securely recycling end-of-life textiles.  This service being a specialism in the UK with it currently being difficult to source a secure, sustainable and cost-effective solution.   Avena will provide an overview of: 
 
• Global/national issues and the challenges and opportunities of textile recycling 
 
•  The Avena approach.  Avena have innovated, improved and honed a robust system for sorting & processing textiles & PPE for recycling, implementing a tier system to ensure the best recycling rate is achieved for each material & fibre type they process.    
 
•  Avena are able to calculate how much carbon & water has been saved by utilising this method against traditional waste streams by using data backed up by 3rd party, independent sources.  
 
•  Case studies 
 
There will also be any opportunity to ask Avena questions and to join in a group discussion; allowing you to share learning, progress, challenges and questions with other members across the network who are on the same journey. 

We will then open up the discussion to other Waste-related topics!
 
Any member is welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic.  The workshop will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity.  From organisations just starting off to those already delivering waste policy and strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on, from identifying collective challenges to learning from other approaches.