The Textile Recycling Association (TRA) has appointed Ian Woods, General Manager of secondhand clothing distributor Next Best Clothing, as its new President.
Taking over from incumbent President Ross Barry, whose term comes to an end in March, Woods has been appointed to steer the trade association for used clothing and textile collectors, sorters and reprocessors into ‘new developing areas’.
Woods’s appointment comes as the textile industry faces a difficult trading period due to ‘downward pressure on prices’ for secondhand clothing. These are said to be caused by:
- ‘huge’ depreciations of currencies in Africa/Eastern Europe (the main purchasers of secondhand clothing from the UK) and ‘significant devaluation’ of the euro against the pound, making British exports more expensive;
- civil unrest in Ukraine and Sub-Saharan Africa together with the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, restricting transport of goods across these regions; and
- increasing competition with cheap new clothing from China, resulting in lower prices for secondhand clothing from the UK and a resultant oversupply of clothing.
Woods said: “I am honoured to be taking on this role. Despite the economic difficulties, there is lots of really important work going on to develop and secure the long-term future of the industry.
“This industry is in a position to make a significant contribution to the circular economic and carbon reduction targets, and the Textile Recycling Association will be at the forefront of this.”
He added that he “looks forward” to continuing TRA’s work with the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Zero Waste Scotland on the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan, and will, through the Bureau of International Recycling, “continue to push the textile recycling agenda at international level”.
Outgoing President Ross Barry commented: “From working with Ian for a number of years, I know he is passionate about our industry and has the skills to steer a course for the association to be seen as the respected authority on our industry.”
Find out more about the Textile Recycling Association.
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