Old DHL uniforms from Hong Kong and Taiwan have been given a second life. To make this happen, the courier company teamed up with designer Eric Wong from the sustainable womenswear and menswear brand Absurd Laboratory. The collaboration resulted in several eye-catching products.
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From old DHL uniforms to clogs
This is not the first time DHL has worked with a designer to give its old textiles a new purpose. In 2025, the company collaborated with Hong Kong-based fashion designer Angus Tsui. He won a competition organized together with Redress, a Hong Kong NGO that supports emerging fashion designers working on sustainable fashion.
This time, Eric Wong won the DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize. While his predecessor mainly focused on bags and a wallet, Wong took the concept a step further. Using old cargo trousers and polo shirts, he created a bag, a pair of clogs, plush toys and a cap.
In addition to winning the award, Wong also received HK$30,000 in DHL shipping credits. He will not keep the profits from the collection himself. Instead, all proceeds will be donated to Redress, helping the organization support more sustainable fashion designers in developing their careers.
The collection is available through the Absurd Laboratory webshop. Prices range from around €27.95 for a small plush toy to €102.95 for a pair of clogs.
I have seen many upcycling projects involving old uniforms over the years, but DHL’s initiative is definitely one of my favourites. Not only does the company keep old workwear out of landfill, it also gives a designer an excellent opportunity to showcase their creativity. On top of that, the profits support an organization that helps other sustainable designers. And, of course, it’s also great PR for the courier company.
Want to read more about sustainable workwear and the reuse of uniforms? Also check:
- Air Canada looks for a sustainable solution for old uniforms
- Fashion students design sustainable UN uniforms
- Dutch workwear and PPE manufacturers launch joint recycling project
Best regards,
Aileen
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