Building a Greener Future

Retail Sustainability Highlights 2024–25

At Barnardo’s, we believe sustainability isn’t just a goal. It’s a responsibility. From reducing waste to fostering community partnerships, our 2024–25 efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting the planet while empowering the people we support. Here's how we're making retail greener together.

Innovation in Action

The Re-Fashion Hubs
Our Bradford and Sutton Coldfield-based Re-Fashion Hubs remain at the heart of our sustainability work. These vibrant, creative space gives donated textiles a second life through repair and upcycling. Recently, we’ve worked with fashion students from Bradford College and Shipley College on projects using our textiles rescued via the hub, helping them gain hands-on experience in sustainable fashion whilst helping to reduce textile waste.

Upcycling Workshop Pilot
New for this year, we’ve launched an upcycling pilot at our Bradford Superstore. This workshop empowers volunteers to reimagine donated items, giving them new purpose and extending their lifespan.

Digital Sustainability
We’re cutting down on paper and carbon emissions with digital stock takes, eReceipts, and CO₂ savings messaging printed on customer receipts. These small changes are leading to meaningful impact.

Community Partnerships

Play It Forward Scheme In Partnership With The Works
Now rolled out nationally, this scheme encourages customers to donate both new and pre-loved goods via donation bins located in The Works stores. It helps us stock our stores sustainably while supporting families in need.

Awesome Books Giveaway
In collaboration with Awesome Books, we’ve distributed children’s books to promote reading for pleasure and lifelong learning.

Rage Room Collaboration
This creative project tackled Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment while supporting local businesses. It’s a win for the environment and the community.

Waste and Recycling Progress

• Over 4,000 tonnes of waste managed across our retail stores, with over 600 tonnes being recycled
• 3,787.7 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill, saving more than 11,000 cubic metres of land space
• More than 3,100 tonnes converted into Refuse Derived Fuel, cutting emissions
• Energy saved through recycling could power 1,302 homes for an entire year

Material Recycling Impact

• 499.3 tonnes of paper and cardboard recycled, saving trees, water and energy
• Glass recycled to produce over 80,000 new bottles
• Plastic saved: equivalent to 3.8 million 2 litre bottles or 13.5 million plastic bags
• Cans recycled saved the carbon equivalent of 26,100 passenger miles
• 1.19 tonnes of batteries recycled across 151 stores

The Re-Fashion Hub by the Numbers

• 471 kilograms of textiles processed
• 451 items sold
• 20 volunteers contributing 381 hours of their time
• Over 6,200 kilograms of CO₂ saved

Looking Ahead to 2025–26

Our mission continues with exciting developments on the horizon:

• New Re-Fashion Hubs launching across the UK
• A partnership with Singer Sewing Machines to promote sustainable fashion

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we’re building a greener future.