A Northampton recycling company that transforms end-of-life carpets into reusable materials is appealing for public support after a major fire destroyed a third of its factory and put 26 jobs at risk.

Innovate Recycle, based on Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, has launched a crowdfunding appeal after a blaze on Saturday, July 11, severely damaged part of its facility.

The company is aiming to raise £18,000 to help cover its basic operating costs while it rebuilds. More than £1,200 had been donated at the time of writing.

Founder Joe Eccleston said the fire destroyed around a third of the company's operating space, although its core deconstruction process line survived and nobody was injured.

Firefighters were called to the factory at around 7pm on Saturday July 11.

placeholder image — Firefighters were called to the factory at around 7pm on Saturday July 11.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service previously said the fire, which prompted almost 100 calls to its control room and led to the closure of part of the A428 Harlestone Road, is believed to have started accidentally in a skip inside the factory.

Mr Eccleston said the business is expected to be unable to resume operations for at least two months.

Before the fire, Innovate Recycle said it had been close to reaching full profitability after securing early product sales and developing partnerships across the carpet, waste management and local authority sectors.

The company has also been working to develop recycled polypropylene products, with interest from manufacturers in the automotive, consumer goods and injection moulding industries.

In a statement on its fundraising page, Mr Eccleston said: "To help us get through the next few months, while we get back up and running, we are seeking help to cover our basic costs and in particular to pay our loyal, hard-working team and retain 26 jobs in Northampton."

He added that the company's process provides a solution to one of the UK's most difficult waste streams by recovering high-grade polypropylene and calcium carbonate from old carpets for reuse in manufacturing.

"If we do not get through the next few months this circular economy opportunity will take a significant step backwards," he said.

People wishing to support the appeal can do so via the company's crowdfunding page: Innovate Recycle GoFundMe appeal.