Camira takes majority stake in textile recycling business, iinouiio
We are delighted to announce that we have taken a majority stake in iinouiio, a groundbreaking UK textile recycling company. Marking the start of an exciting new initiative to develop innovative new textile products from preloved wool garments and fabrics, the investment is a continuation of our long tradition in environmental stewardship and signals our commitment to accelerating our work in textile circularity.
An acronym for “it is never over until it is over”, iinouiio has secured major investment funding to install state-of-the-art wool textile reprocessing machinery, the first of its kind in the UK for more than 20 years. Established in 2019 by Dr John Parkinson, who retains part ownership and will head up the new venture, iinouiio builds on John's longstanding family history in textile recycling to create a new, pioneering approach to achieving a circular textile process.
Bringing a new lease of life to preloved fabrics
The iinouiio principle of textile repurposing will be adopted by our Camira Yarns site in Yorkshire, England. Specialising in woollen spun yarns for commercial fabrics, this facility will provide a dedicated ground floor location for the new processing machinery together with a self-contained showroom to promote the capability.
Supported by a grant from the UK registered environmental charity WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the machinery is due to be installed in April and will create a new textile reprocessing line which will convert high value raw materials - from textile manufacturing waste and preloved wool and cashmere products - back into fibre which can then be re-spun into new yarn to make new fabric. Used to produce iinouiio-branded products, the machinery will also provide wool recycling opportunities for retailers and other textile manufacturers, as well enabling us to develop our own range of recycled wool fabrics.
"Together, we can take textile circularity to another level."
Commenting on the new partnership, Dr John Parkinson said: “The fit with Camira is perfect for iinouiio: two like-minded companies who share a passion for textiles and sustainability who together can take textile circularity to another level. The installation of the new recycling line will be a milestone for the UK textile industry and iinouiio are thrilled that it will be located within the Camira Yarns facility in Huddersfield.”
Anthony Croall, Camira Group Commercial Director, who concluded the deal on behalf of Camira, added: “We’re genuinely excited about this fantastic opportunity, which not only builds on the sustainability reputation of Camira, but will position us as a market leader in textile circularity. Market demands for less waste and eco-conscious consumers have now put textile recycling at the top of the agenda, so we can’t wait to get working with John to develop the iinouiio brand alongside new environmental products and initiatives from Camira."
