Rolls of different coloured textiles

The Circular Textiles Fund is now closed

Thanks to all those who applied, we're now assessing your application and will be in touch soon.

If you are a current applicant and would like to speak to us, please email textiles@zerowastescotland.org.uk.

Update 14th June 2023:
We are aware that some users who completed the Circular Textile Fund online webform between Friday 9th June and Tuesday 13th June 2023 experienced a delay in receiving the Expression of Interest form and Guidance Notes. The issue has been resolved but if you have been affected by this and would like any further assistance, please contact textiles@zerowastescotland.org.uk.

The Zero Waste Scotland team sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this technical issue, and we are happy to help with any further information you may need to complete your application by the new closing date, 12 noon on Friday 16th June.  

What is the Circular Textiles Fund?

Zero Waste Scotland is administering the funding, backed by Scottish Government, to help reduce the environmental impact of textiles. The fund aims to support the development of circular supply chains in Scotland.

The funding will go directly to businesses across Scotland, from fashion and upholstery to industry and technology.

'Sustainability' is no longer enough

Zero Waste Scotland’s latest Carbon Metric Report shows textiles make up four per cent of waste by weight but account for nearly a third (32 per cent) of the carbon impact of Scotland’s household waste. 

This is because manufacturing textiles consumes finite resources, releases greenhouse gas emissions and has complex supply chains.

Considering the impact of textiles, it’s clear we need to support the industry in a shift to circular solutions. This is where the Circular Textiles Fund can help businesses in Scotland to implement innovative circular projects.

Circular Textiles Fund - Deadline extended to 16 June 2023

Who can apply for the Circular Textiles Fund?

All types of businesses can apply for the Circular Textiles Fund. Whether you make the initial fabrics, design the garments, manufacture textile products, sell them or rent them out or if you use a lot of textiles in your operations, like large volumes of bedding or uniforms.

Even if you are not a textile business at all, but can bring innovative and disruptive new tech or systems that can help accelerate a move to circularity.

Applications will be assessed against their ability to:

  • Accelerate a circular transition in Scotland
  • Deliver economic and inclusive growth
  • Reduce waste
  • Reduce carbon impact
  • Innovate

Projects must be delivered by 31th March 2024.

What funding is available?

The minimum funding which can be applied for in one application is £25,000 and the maximum is £500,000. Full details on eligibility criteria can be found in the fund guidance notes which will be emailed on completion of form below. 

What support is available?

To start your circular economy journey, explore our resources, events and videos below. Dive in and discover how your business could be part of Scotland’s circular solution. 

If you have any specific questions see our frequently asked questions, for anything else you can email our team at textiles@zerowastescotland.org.uk.

Live Q&A sessions

We will be delivering five live Q&A sessions every Wednesday at 1pm from 10th May to 14th June to help answer your questions on the Circular Textiles Fund and answer your question on the application process.

Spaces are limited, register to attend on Eventbrite.

Watch a recording of one of our recent sessions which will take you through the application form.

Circular textiles webinar recordings

An Introduction to the Circular Economy

Gain a better understanding of the circular economy and an action plan of next steps for you to take in your business. 

Webinar features strategies and real-life case studies to challenge the status quo and inspire new solutions to today’s problems and inspiration on how to make your business more circular. 

Inspiring Solutions for Scotland's Textile Sector

Hear from inspiring businesses and have the opportunity to put your questions to our panel of industry experts.

Our speakers:

  • Dr Lynn Wilson, Textile Designer and CEO of Circular DS
  • Hazel Brodie, Scottish Enterprise
  • Peter Ramsay, Business in the Community