EMERGE 3Rs

Converted from EMERGE Recycling – the original social enterprise was born in May 1998 – EMERGE 3Rs became a registered charity in 2009, its operating strands are all centred on sustainability.

With the waste hierarchy of the Real 3Rs (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle) at its heart, EMERGE repurposes reclaimed timber in Touch Wood collected by social enterprise ‘sister’ EMERGE Recycling, processing the wood for resale, or creating upcycled products. EMERGE 3Rs also runs the Greater Manchester operation of FareShare, redistributing in-date food, donated by supermarkets and other suppliers, to front line charities, community centres, schools and humanitarian initiatives across the city region. This food is primarily fresh produce with a short shelf life, which, prior to FareShare’s involvement, would have gone to waste.

EMERGE 3Rs, together with its innovative Touch Wood and FareShare Greater Manchester operations, its Volunteering and Employability Programme and its sister social enterprise EMERGE Recycling, makes up ‘the EMERGE Group’ of charitable activities which strive to meet a shared vision and values.

A proportion of the proceeds of EMERGE Recycling are channelled back into the charity, where they are put to work to further support the wider community and our shared environment.

A leading social enterprise pioneer in recycling in Greater Manchester, EMERGE has been at the front line of sustainability practice for over two decades; all its operations having at their core carbon emission reduction, resource efficiency and social benevolence.

Sited on New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, the organisation places great importance on playing a positive role in its local community; providing employment, work experience and volunteering opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds and personal circumstances.

A leading social enterprise pioneer in recycling in Greater Manchester, EMERGE has been at the front line of sustainability practice for over two decades; all its operations having at their core carbon emission reduction, resource efficiency and social benevolence.

Sited on New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, the organisation places great importance on playing a positive role in its local community; providing employment, work experience and volunteering opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds and personal circumstances.

Gaining many accolades in the form of nominations and awards for social enterprise, volunteering and sustainability, the organisation has achieved both local and national recognition, accompanied by regular media coverage and the public support of notable citizens including sporting stars, celebrity chefs and high-ranking politicians.

Due to increasing demand for its services and products, the organisation’s focus in 2019 will be on expanding its operations beyond the limitations of its current buildings, and to this end it welcomes new business partnerships and financial support.