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Trend topic Sustainability

Photo: male and female modells wearing workwear at A+A tradefair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Andreas Wiese

Repair and reuse of workwear to protect the environment

Interview with Lena Bay Højland, Product Director at Fristads Kansas A/S

Fristads is a manufacturer of workwear and has had sustainability and environmental protection on its agenda for many years. The company is constantly working to reduce its emissions and find new ways to protect the environment. The triad of repair, reuse and recycling should help to give products that have already been manufactured as long a life as possible.
Photo: a huge sign that reads

The journey to sustainable PPE
Sustainability is not yet being implemented to the extent that would be desirable, particularly in the textile industry. There are many starting points for making clothing more sustainable. Not only environmentally friendly or recycled materials can help to protect the environment. Parameters that come into play before or during production can also have a positive impact on the environment.
Image: Illustration of the manufacturing process of recycled plastic behind a table on which protective gloves are placed; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

Sustainable workwear - Why recycled polyester?
A topic increasingly coming into focus and no longer ignored in any process: Sustainability. But what exactly constitutes sustainably sourcing the raw materials for workwear? Is it enough to check the materials - for example, plastics such as polyester - for origin and processing? What advantages and disadvantages are offered through sustainable materials?
Image: Six people sitting around a table discussing something; Copyright: envato/zamrznutitonovi

New Work: A strategy for healthy companies
New Work supports companies in facing the future in a healthy and secure way. The various approaches contribute to positive organizational development and promote a flexible and productive working environment. But what are the requirements for a successful integration of New Work concepts?

Discover sustainable approaches

Biodegradable materials

Image: A hand holds biodegradable purple plastic pellets; Copyright: envato/ArseniiPalivoda
To promote circular economy, biodegradable materials are in focus. For example, old textiles and plastics are processed into new materials that then find their way back into the economy in the form of workwear or PPE.

Sustainable textiles in action

Image: A container holding reusable materials placed next to a blue jacket; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann
Various aspects play a role in the production of sustainable textiles: the value of textiles should be preserved for as long as possible and greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced. It is also important to reintegrate textile waste into the circular flow as a valuable secondary raw material and to reuse it.

Workwear recycling

Image: Sustainably recycled cotton T-shirt lies over a bubble wrap; Copyright: envato/ IrynaKhabliuk
The apparel and footwear sector contributes over 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This shows how important sustainability is in the production of workwear. In addition to using materials that are as biodegradable as possible, it is also important to optimize working conditions and supply chain processes in terms of sustainability.

Sustainable workwear - what helps?

Infographic: This graphic lists key points for handling workwear for improved sustainability; Copyright: beta-web GmbH/Melanie Prüser, Carina Schmitt
Image: Patterns for sustainable workwear lie on a table; Copyright: envato/IrynaKhabliuk
In addition to developing concepts and designing supply chains, it is also important to pay attention to sustainable measures in the direct handling of workwear. Particularly when dealing with workwear, the focus should be on the most effective, gentle and long-term use.