ABOUT US
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.
Watch our OpUp company video below to see where it all happens and why:
WHY OPERATION UPCYCLE?
OUR FOCUS
OUR FOCUS
HOW WE’RE 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, creating meaningful employment for veterans and supporting on their journey to recovery, and helping people in the prison system develop skills that aid their reintegration to society.
Opportunities for Students
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.
Engagement with Prisoners
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.
Support for Veterans
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.
Neil Sanderson | Managing Director of Ramco and OpUp Project Sponsor
OUR PEOPLE
Harriet Sanderson | Project Lead for OpUp
Elliott Griffen | Head of Sales at Ramco and OpUp Project Sponsor
Liam Cameron | Marketing Supervisor at Ramco and OpUp
Matt Wheeler | Marketing Consultant from Firestarter Solutions
Kate Griffiths | Project Consultant from Firestarter Solutions
OUR PEOPLE
Neil Sanderson | Managing Director of Ramco and OpUp Project Sponsor
Harriet Sanderson | Project Lead for OpUp
Elliott Griffen | Head of Sales at Ramco and OpUp Project Sponsor
Liam Cameron | Marketing Supervisor at Ramco and OpUp
Matt Wheeler | Marketing Consultant from Firestarter Solutions
Kate Griffiths | Project Consultant from Firestarter Solutions
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.