Take it to the bank…

BIU (Bag It Up) Group, one of the UK’s leading textile recycling companies, has achieved ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008 for its environmental management quality management systems respectively.

These build on the company’s reputation for being at the forefront of the textile recycling industry, as highlighted with the roll-out of the UK’s first electronic, no-key textile banks, which have a new chute and locking system that makes them extremely secure, and near impossible to break into.

Since the first electronic banks were trialled back in 2009, all 1,100 of the company’s banks have now been upgraded and modified to include the high security standard. This has resulted in an estimated 20% increase in yields in areas where old banks were being targeted.

BIU customers also experience some of the industry’s highest standards and levels of service, resulting in extended loyalty and enhanced returns. Customers have also reported that the quality of stock has remained higher than the industry average.

This can also be attributed to the security employed at BIU textile recycling banks, which in turn has led to a sustainable and measured price increase in clothes being recycled.

BIU’s in-house facilities, which include a workshop to carry out remedial work and its own branded trucks for transportation, ensure site owners always have a well presented recycling bank.

“We have a dedicated team that has worked hard to become recognised as industry leaders,” said BIU’s Wendy Yarney. “Securing ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008 certifications further demonstrates our commitment. We are already planning to pursue more ISO certifications.”

Textile recycling banks and organisations like BIU, which is based in Halifax, West Yorksire, have become a vital lifeline for many local charities as they struggle to cope with the continuing recession and changes in legislation in the UK. To date, the company has raised over £4.7 million for its partner charities, which includes seven air ambulances, a children’s hospice, community sporting organisations and a disabled children’s mobility equipment provider.