FROM DEFENCE TO DESIGN
GIVING MILITARY TEXTILES A NEW PURPOSE
GET INVOLVED
Operation Upcycle is a national initiative turning surplus military textiles into sustainable, contemporary fashion with purpose. By bringing together Ramco UK, UK fashion students, His Majesty’s Prison Service, and veterans’ charities, we’re creating a circular fashion model that benefits people, the planet, and the Armed Forces community.
Every year, thousands of military uniforms are retired due to damage, design updates, or end of service life. Many can’t be resold and risk ending up in waste streams, contributing to the 711,000 tonnes of post-consumer textiles discarded each year in the UK (WRAP, Textiles Pact).
But each garment carries marks of service - telling stories of the people who wore them, and of the heritage and history of our armed forces. Something that we shouldn’t let go to waste.
Through the innovation of Ramco, the creativity of UK fashion students, and the dedication of veterans’ charities, we’re transforming thousands of ex-military garments into something extraordinary; sustainable, contemporary fashion with purpose.
But this is about more than just tackling textile waste. The impact of Operation Upcycle will be wide-ranging, creating opportunities for education and employment in UK based textile design and manufacturing that will contribute to the circular economy.
WHY
OPERATION
UPCYCLE?
CORE FOCUS AREAS
CORE FOCUS AREAS
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Click through the stages to find out more
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We work with a partner university to embed Operation Upcycle into their fashion/textile programmes, focussing on sustainability, innovation, and technical design.
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Students design capsule collections using authentic MoD textiles. At the end of term, designs are presented at fashion shows and exhibitions, attracting industry and media attention.
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Winning designs move into limited production in collaboration with veterans’ charities. Injured ex-service personnel and family members receive training, equipment, and ongoing support.
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Final collections are brought to market through pop-up shows run by veterans, dedicated retail rails, e-commerce, and high-impact PR and social campaigns.
HOW ARE WE MAKING AN IMPACT?
This isn’t just about upcycling. It’s a bridge between the past and the future – between military heritage and modern, ethical fashion. We’re providing opportunities to educate and empower the next generation of designers, provide meaningful employment and support to veterans on their journey to recovery, and help people in the prison system develop skills that aid their reintegration to society.
The UK fashion and textiles industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices by 2030. By embedding Operation Upcycle into the curriculum, we’re helping students develop professionally and enhancing their career prospects after university.
Opportunities for Students
Supporting prisoners in their reintegration into society benefits everyone, starting with access to suitable housing and employment upon release. Working with the prison service, we’ll create employment and training opportunities in textile recycling and production - helping people build skills and stability for life beyond prison.
Engagement with Prisoners
For many veterans, finding stable housing, managing mental health, and achieving financial security are ongoing challenges. We’re offering meaningful work that builds skills, purpose, and community to support veterans on their journey to recovery.
Support for Veterans
WHO’S INVOLVED?
Ramco UK / Ramco Textiles
Ramco is a circular economy and reuse specialist with almost 30 years’ experience giving surplus assets a new lease of life. Ramco is the official reseller of MoD military clothing and, driven by sustainability, set up Operation Upcycle to reuse, repurpose, and recycle used uniforms.
Winchester School of Art (WSA)
Part of the University of Southampton, WSA is one of the UK’s leading centres for art and design research, education, and knowledge exchange. It is committed to environmental sustainability, social engagement, and leading practice at the intersection of art, science, technology, and culture. Within this context, the BA Fashion Design programme supports its students in a dynamic, questioning and creative environment.
More partners coming soon
If your organisation could play a role in the project’s success, we’d love to hear from you.
WHO’S INVOLVED?
Ramco UK / Ramco Textiles
Ramco is a circular economy and reuse specialist with almost 30 years’ experience giving surplus assets a new lease of life. Ramco is the official reseller of MoD military clothing and, driven by sustainability, set up Operation Upcycle to reuse, repurpose, and recycle used uniforms.
Winchester School of Art (WSA)
Part of the University of Southampton, WSA is one of the UK’s leading centres for art and design research, education, and knowledge exchange. It is committed to environmental sustainability, social engagement, and leading practice at the intersection of art, science, technology, and culture. Within this context, the BA Fashion Design programme supports its students in a dynamic, questioning and creative environment.
More partners coming soon
If your organisation could play a role in the project’s success, we’d love to hear from you.
GET INVOLVED
We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey to create a sustainable model for upcycling military garments, and we’d love your support to help make it happen.
Whether you can offer retail opportunities, help with production capacity, provide funding or resources, support marketing and PR activity, or open doors to influential networks, your involvement could make a real difference.
If you share our passion for sustainability, creativity, and supporting the veteran community, we’d like to hear from you.