The Salvation Army’s Revolutionary Fibersort Technology Showcased on BBC Songs of Praise

This weekend, viewers will have the opportunity to witness the state-of-the-art Fibersort technology in action at The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) Processing Centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire on the BBC Songs of Praise. The programme will showcase the innovative progress that The Salvation Army is making in recycling and sustainability, illustrating how the organisation is taking tangible steps to care for the environment.

The groundbreaking Fibersort technology, the first of its kind in the UK, is designed to revolutionise the process of textile recycling. By effectively identifying and categorising unwearable textiles into different fibres such as cotton, polyester, and wool, this technology is set to play a key role in the sustainable production of clothing in the future. Additionally, the world’s first polyester recycling plant is scheduled to open at the Kettering location, marking another significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable practices.

During the filming of Songs of Praise, Claire McCollum, the programme’s host, was given a comprehensive tour of the facility by Major Heather Poxon, the Head of Environment and Sustainability at The Salvation Army, along with Majonne Frost, Head of Environment and Sustainability at SATCoL, and John Webb, the site manager at Kettering. Claire was particularly interested in the new technology and its implications for environmental conservation, which she highlighted in the ‘Caring for Creation’ episode of the show. The segment also delved into The Salvation Army’s dedication to aligning its Christian beliefs with proactive measures to protect the environment.

The Salvation Army has a rich history of promoting sustainability, with the establishment of the very first charity shop in Leeds dating back to 1908. Since then, the organisation has expanded its network to over 400 charity shops across the UK, in addition to more than 20 clothing donation centres.

For those eager to learn more about The Salvation Army’s inspiring sustainability initiatives, the ‘Caring for Creation’ programme will be broadcast on Sunday 18th February on BBC One at 13:15. It will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to gain valuable insights into the organisation’s dedication to responsible environmental stewardship.

The Salvation Army’s presence on BBC Songs of Praise serves as a testament to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the realm of recycling and sustainability. As The Salvation Army continues to set new benchmarks for eco-friendly practices, its efforts are poised to inspire others to join in the collective pursuit of a cleaner and greener future for all.