Miele has announced its support of a textile upcycling project recently launched by children’s charity Barnardo’s. To help volunteers of the charity rescue damaged clothing and textiles, the white goods manufacturer has donated one of its commercial washing machines to the cause.
Barnardo’s Re-Fashion Hub, the first of its kind in the UK, aims to repair, upcycle and reuse clothing and textiles that are donated to charity but are unfit for sale. This could be because they are too worn, are missing a button, have a small stain – or just need a little TLC.
Sonja Green, Head of Sustainability at Barnardo’s, said: “The launch of our first Re-Fashion Hub is an exciting initiative for the charity. We are extremely grateful to Singer Sewing Machines and Miele for partnering with us and donating the equipment needed to set up Barnardo’s first upcycling hub.”
Rather than being sent to recycling centres or merchants, items are given new lease of life thanks to volunteers repairing textiles or creating new items from old materials. The project will not only generate much needed income for the children’s services that Barnardo’s support, but it will also contribute to the charity’s wider sustainability goals.
The Little Giants commercial washing machine, provided by Miele Professional, will be used to wash textiles and remove stains. To further support sustainability commitments, volunteers will process items at low temperatures, use eco-friendly programmes, and take advantage of the machines quick cycle times. Little Giants have also been developed to conserve water and electricity meaning only the required resources will be used per wash cycle.
Six sewing machines have also been donated by manufacturing company, Singer Sewing Machines.
Samantha Dent, Marketing Manager, GB & Ireland at Miele Professional, said: “When we heard that Barnardo’s planned to launch an upcycling scheme for pre-loved textiles, we felt that one of our commercial washing machines would be put to good use, helping to give unwanted clothing a second life. With sustainability part of our brand fabric, we are delighted to be able to contribute to a cause that supports both the charity and the environment.”
