UK FASHION STUDENTS WILL HELP TO TAKE ON “OPERATION UPCYCLE” AND CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS

We're excited to announce a new national partnership with surplus asset recovery specialists Ramco turning ex-military textiles into contemporary fashion while creating new opportunities for veterans.

    The initiative, called Operation Upcycle, will see thousands of surplus Ministry of Defence garments, including jackets, combat trousers and technical fabrics, upcycled into limited-edition fashion pieces, designed by students from the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art (WSA) and produced in collaboration with Help for Heroes.

    Ramco, one of the UK’s most trusted names in surplus asset recovery, was appointed as the official recycler of MoD surplus textiles and is launching the project as part of its commitment to repurposing surplus textiles for social, environmental, and economic good.

    The partnership will deliver a minimum £40,000 unrestricted donation to Help for Heroes, and further generated commercial income.

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    Operation Upcycle was created to prove that surplus materials can create new value commercially, environmentally and socially. Collaborating with Help for Heroes on the partnership is a major step forward. Their experience, reach and deep understanding of the Armed Forces community will help us ensure this initiative delivers genuine, lasting impact for veterans, while also scaling the programme nationally.” 

    Neil Sanderson

    Managing Director at Ramco

    The project will be embedded into WSA BA Fashion Design course from 2026, with students developing capsule collections as part of sustainability and innovation modules. Designs will be showcased at end-of-term fashion shows and exhibitions, before selected pieces move into production.


    Crucially, veterans will be involved throughout the process from design and production through to modelling, retailing and storytelling, ensuring the garments carry both provenance and purpose. As part of the collaboration, veterans will be on hand during the workshop sessions with students to support the creative process and share their personal stories of pride for the uniforms being upcycled.

    For many veterans, the uniform represents pride, identity and belonging, and when service ends, that can be difficult to replace. This initiative honours that history while transforming surplus military textiles into pieces that carry real story and meaning. It brings veterans and students together to champion sustainability and ensure the experience of the Armed Forces community is seen and heard by new audiences.” 

     

    James Needham

    Help for Heroes’ Chief Executive

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