Welcome to the latest episode of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of sustainability, circular business models, and the future of fashion. In episode 57, we are joined by Anthony Burns, the Chief Operating Officer at ACS Clothing, a company at the forefront of transforming the fashion industry toward a sustainable and circular future.
Anthony Burns is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, with a career focused on driving the global shift toward Circular Business Models. Holding an Honorary Doctorate, an Engineering degree, a Masters in Logistics, and an MBA, Anthony blends academic excellence with practical experience to foster change in the fashion industry. He is committed to continuous professional development for himself and his team, ensuring ACS Clothing remains innovative while championing ethical practices. Anthony’s ultimate mission is to create a just transition for the fashion industry by promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact for future generations.
In this fascinating conversation, Anthony shares the story behind ACS Clothing, which was founded with a singular goal – to transition the fashion industry into a more sustainable space. Their key strategy? To accelerate the adoption of circular business models, which aim to decouple economic growth from the extraction of natural resources by reusing and recycling products.
Since its inception in 1997, ACS Clothing has been a pioneer in the clothing rental business, starting with high-quality garments for events like weddings and black-tie functions. Over the years, they have expanded their operations, now renting everything from formal wear to ski wear, wetsuits and even tents! Anthony discusses the growing importance of rental in reducing waste and consumption, helping consumers enjoy access to high-quality items while minimising the environmental footprint.
ACS has also ventured into reselling and refurbishing clothes. They partner with brands and retailers to handle returns that are damaged or unsellable, cleaning, repairing, and reselling them on digital platforms like eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and even white-label sites for their partners. Through this, they not only reduce waste but also create new business models for companies that might have otherwise discarded these items.
A key takeaway from the conversation is ACS’s commitment to both environmental and social sustainability. Anthony highlights the company’s efforts to recruit from disadvantaged backgrounds, train refugees, and offer opportunities to individuals facing societal challenges. Notably, their partnership with the Scottish Prison Service provides training and employment to recently released individuals, helping ACS build a diverse talent pipeline while addressing important social issues.
For Anthony, the future is about proving that sustainable fashion can be just as economically viable as traditional models. By offering rentals, repairs and resale options, ACS is helping to reduce the cost of owning clothing while making it more accessible for consumers. This approach, he believes, will eventually lead to greater widespread adoption and change across the entire fashion industry.
Finally, Anthony offers a piece of advice to the younger generation eager to make their mark in the sustainability sector: Choose organisations that truly live their values. Avoid those that greenwash their efforts, and instead, look for companies that are making a tangible, positive impact. He also suggests that individuals take control of their own choices, as our collective actions can have a profound effect on the world.
Useful Links 🔗
Anthony Burns LinkedIn Account
Environmental News Updates 🌍
Social Value in Reuse: A Growing Opportunity
Alasdair shared a report from CIWM showing that reuse generates between £120 million and £346 million in social value. While this is impressive, he believes there’s room for much more growth. Jane found it tricky to grasp how social value is measured, especially for things like passing on old items, but agreed that it’s clear reuse saves money and reduces waste. They both noted that reuse shops at recycling centres are helping to highlight the sector’s value, and this data could drive more growth in the future.
ADR Guidance Update: Key Changes to Note
Jane attended a webinar on the 2025 ADR updates, covering new rules on battery transport and asbestos. She found it interesting but noted that many questions came up, especially regarding the new container bag requirements and weight limits. They both agreed staying updated is crucial for anyone in hazardous materials transport. If you need guidance, please get in touch with us at 01292610428 or email Jane directly at
janebond@albion-environmental.co.uk
Ep 56 Recap: Rebecca Henderson of WasteAid
In our previous episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Rebecca Henderson from WasteAid, and we can’t stop raving about her enthusiasm! Rebecca emphasised that recycling only works if there’s a market for it. Jane agreed, emphasising that recycling is pointless without the infrastructure to process the materials. Alasdair, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the complexities of recycling but stressed that creating a market for recycled goods is key to sustainability. Both hosts agreed that infrastructure and market demand must catch up to our recycling ambitions.
Plastic Recycling Challenges: A Complex Industry
Alasdair shared his thoughts on a New York Times article questioning recycling’s effectiveness, especially for plastics. He discussed the challenges of sorting plastics and the complexity of dealing with different grades. Jane agreed that standardising packaging would make the process easier. Both hosts highlighted that while recycling plastic is challenging, better technology could help overcome these issues.
Donald Trump’s Ban on Paper Straws: A Step Back?
Alasdair and Jane were surprised to hear that Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban paper straws, potentially bringing plastic straws back. Alasdair shared his frustration with paper straws, noting they often don’t work as well as plastic ones, and Jane agreed. They also reflected on how some packaging changes, like the switch from plastic to wooden spoons or the redesign of bottle tops, can irritate consumers. Alasdair then posed an interesting question to listeners: “What are some ‘environmental improvements’ that, while good for the planet, end up annoying the consumer?” This could spark an interesting conversation, so keep an eye out on our social media to give us your thoughts!
Albion News
A Bench with a Purpose: A New Community Project Idea
Alasdair’s idea for adding QR codes to public benches, linking to charity donation pages, gained traction after positive feedback from Robert Robb of North Ayrshire Council. Jane loved the idea, seeing it as a way to encourage community support while reducing unnecessary waste like plastic flowers. Both hosts are hopeful that local councils might adopt this idea to turn memorial benches into meaningful spaces.
Perth and Kinross: A Shoutout for Clean Streets
Alasdair gave a shoutout to Perth and Kinross Council for their proactive litter collection, especially on quieter streets. Jane was pleased to hear about the extra efforts made to maintain clean streets. Both hosts agreed that local councils play a crucial role in creating cleaner, more pleasant communities.
New Listeners: Welcome to the Rubbish Talk Family!
Alasdair and Jane were excited to see an increase in new listeners, especially international ones, after Rebecca Henderson’s episode. They’re thrilled to have more people join the Rubbish Talk community and are eager to continue sharing insights on waste management and sustainability with a wider audience!
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Rubbish Talk Strava Club: The Challenge Continues
The Rubbish Talk Strava challenge is picking up momentum! This month’s challenge is at least 25 minutes of activity for 25 days.
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