SATCoL launches campaign for Take Back Scheme, widens programme's accessibility

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 30, 2024

National charity The Salvation Army is honing its involvement in the fashion resale market, launching its ‘Take Back Scheme Fashion’ campaign, led by stylist Karl Willet.

Featuring “stylish looks from generously received clothing donations”, the largest charity-owned textile collector in the UK says the scheme “is the perfect way for people to support the fashion circular economy while shopping online or in-store with their favourite brands”.

The campaign “invites the public to be part of a drive to reduce waste and extend the useful life of products” with the images by Willet being a “nod to his classic styles that stand the test of time”.

The donated garments featured in the campaign were specially chosen to reflect The Salvation Army colours of red, white and black, “and the charity’s message of hope”.

The scheme is being operated by the trading arm of the charity (SATCoL), which has partnered with some of the largest retailers and brands in the UK, including John Lewis and Tesco.

At the same time, SATCoL has made its Take Back Scheme more widely accessible with two in-store offerings (with John Lewis and Tesco F&F) and 12 clothing banks available online, “so customers can donate their unwanted items on the go”.

Willet, who has worked with celebrities from across the music/film industry including Paloma Faith, Jermaine Jackson and Geri Halliwell and is known for his “elegantly classic, yet contemporary vision”, said: “Styling looks with second-hand clothing is a fun and creative way to express your personal style. It’s important to embrace sustainability because not only does it reduce environmental waste, but it also encourages individual style and is affordable. The Take Back Scheme is a way to make a positive difference.”

Each year, The Salvation Army collects around 65,000 tonnes of textiles, diverting them to good causes and raising funds. Profits raised from the resale of the donations is given to The Salvation Army to continue the work they do across the UK.