In 1993, having been appalled at how a few unscrupulous ‘rag men’ were taking advantage of reputable charities, business entrepreneurs Craig Marsh and Laurie Ellis set up Retrograde Limited. Their aim was to create an ethical business that would allow non-governmental organisations to dispose of their textile waste in the most profitable yet environmentally friendly way possible. After a decade of rapid growth, Retrograde were providing services for many of the UK’s leading charity retail chains, local authorities and businesses. The operation has expended the range of materials that could be recycled to include;

• Bras
• Textiles
• Bags
• Shoes
• Belts
• Paperback & Hardback Books
• Electrical items
• DVDs & CDs
• Bric-a-Brac
• Toys
• Metals
• Plastics
• Cardboard

In 2009 Retrograde began shipping recycled goods internationally and further developed its textile recycling plant in Erith, Kent. With an impressive fleet of vehicles, Retrograde collects from locations throughout England and Wales, providing exceptional levels of service.

Through its export business, the company’s reputation for excellence has spread around the globe. Despite immense growth Retrograde continues to support clients of all sizes equally, from the newest start-up, to large multinational organisations. The ethical position the business was founded on has not faltered and Retrograde continues to actively support many good causes, in the UK and developing countries.