“We have responded swiftly to feedback from the textile sector that businesses are struggling due to the negative impact of Covid-19,” said WRAP UK director Peter Maddox.

“There has been an excellent response since this fund was launched in March. Now that there is no absolute deadline and no match funding required, I am confident that many more organisations will come forward with imaginative projects to combat barriers to textile recycling and re-use.”

Initially, the closing date for applications was yesterday (18 June), but it will now be extended until the WRAP fund, part of Defra’s £18m Resource Action Fund, is exhausted.

Firms of any size can apply for grants, which must be used for capex projects, of between £20,000 and £170,000, the maximum state aid threshold. The money will be released in “milestone payments”.

Essentially, the funding is for capital expenditure only; either for equipment or technologies that enables recycling or re-use of clothing or linen waste textiles. According to WRAP, successful projects need to demonstrate “innovation beyond normal practice”.

The grant can also be used to help firms reconfigure their business to comply with government guidelines on Covid-19 safety measures.

For more information, visit the WRAP website.