Industry leaders deliver sustainability guest lecture for University of Chester design students
Directors from Cheshire-based Roberts Recycling recently delivered a guest lecture at the University of Chester, exploring the role of sustainable design, textile recycling and emerging green career pathways with second-year students across Fashion, Interior and Graphic and Product Design programmes
Roberts Recycling Ltd is a global textile recycling and reuse specialist supporting brands and communities with responsible and ethical textile solutions, diverting 3.5 million clothing items from landfill every month.
Company Directors John and Paul Roberts were invited to share industry insight into how circular economy thinking is shaping the future of the textile sector. Using Roberts Recycling as a real-world case study, the session highlighted how environmental, social and economic responsibility can be embedded within modern business practice.
The lecture examined the global scale of textile waste and the growing importance of design decisions in determining how products are reused, recycled or responsibly managed at end of life. Students were encouraged to consider how material selection, branding and product lifecycle thinking influence sustainability outcomes from the earliest stages of the creative process.
The session also introduced the expanding range of career opportunities emerging across the circular economy, helping students connect creative disciplines with sustainability-focused industries.
The lecture was hosted by module leaders Rebecca Falcon, Jennifer John, Simon Winter and Dr Janey Deng Klingelfuss, strengthening links between academic learning and real-world industry practice.
Jen John, Course Leader in BA Fashion Design, said: “Sustainability and the life-cycle of clothing is a vital part of our students’ understanding of this subject. We were really pleased that Roberts Recycling were able to share their knowledge and look forward to working together in the future.”
Paul Roberts said: “Roberts Recycling looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the University of Chester, supporting future student engagement and helping inspire the next generation of designers to place sustainability at the heart of their creative work.”
For more information, visit www.robertsrecycling.co.uk
Caption: Lewis Webster, Head of Marketing and Communications, Roberts Recycling; Paul Roberts, Director, Roberts Recycling; John Roberts, Director, Roberts Recycling; Jen John, Course Leader BA Fashion Design and Rebecca Falcon, Course Leader BA Product Design.