Over the past few years, companies have become increasingly focused on how to reuse workwear. They are also becoming more creative when it comes to giving discarded textiles a new purpose. In this article, I’ll show you how six companies around the world give old workwear a second life.
Voor de Nederlandse versie van dit artikel kun je terecht op Prettybusiness.nl
1. Sustainable fashion designers reuse workwear in creative ways
Last year, DHL chose a practical approach. Instead of designing the items themselves, they invited sustainable fashion designers to take the lead. The company organised a design competition. Designers presented their ideas, and Angus Tsui ultimately won with a wallet and several bags. DHL then provided him with the used textiles and a budget for worldwide shipping.
If you’d like to know more about this initiative: I wrote a column about it for NAUMD.
2. Workwear recycled into corporate gifts
You can also turn old corporate clothing into branded gifts. Dutch company Van Hulley has been doing this for years for a variety of organisations. They create all kinds of items: gym bags, pencil cases, BBQ aprons and napkins. They also design bibs, hats and trousers for babies — a wonderful gift for colleagues going on maternity leave.
Production is done by women distanced from the labour market, who gain valuable work experience through the programme.
3. Old workwear turned into dog beds
As an animal lover, I absolutely adore this initiative from workwear producer Westpeak. The New Zealand–based company turns discarded workwear into dog cushions and donates them to animal shelters across the country. When someone adopts a dog, the animal gets to take its own cushion home.
You can read more about this wonderful project in the column I wrote for NAUMD.
4. Reuse workwear for kids
When Subway introduced new uniforms in 2023, the company also had to find a solution for the old garments. Because of the sheer volume, the fast-food chain decided to distribute the clothing. The worn-out items were used as materials in the automotive and construction industries, while the unused uniforms were given to organisations in the food sector.
For example, one thousand aprons went to schools, where they are now used as growing mats for cress, a playful way to teach children how food grows.
5. Interior products made from old workwear
When Ikea introduced a new uniform collection, they decided to give the old clothing a second life as well. They shredded the textiles and transformed the fibres into new fabrics. These fabrics were then used to create sustainable cushions, throws, curtains and a bag.
You can view the full collection in the article I wrote about how Ikea turns old uniforms into home accessories.
6. Workwear recycled and returned to employees
Efteling has been creative with uniform recycling for years. In 2018, the Dutch theme park shredded their old corporate clothing and processed it into felt, which was then turned into bags sold in the park’s shops.
This year, the uniforms were once again turned into felt. To celebrate the park’s 73rd anniversary, Efteling used the material to create a festive bunting line. Employees each received one, and they quickly became a collector’s item online. These limited-edition garlands are a must-have for Efteling fans.
If you want to get rid of old workwear but don’t have time for a creative project, read the article I wrote about the different sustainable ways to donate your (work) clothing.
PS: As you’ve seen in this article, I write weekly columns for NAUMD. Would you like to receive them in your inbox? Sign up for the Pulse newsletter. You’ll get one email a week with all workwear-related news, including my column Aileen’s Uniform Atlas.
Greetings,
Aileen