Branded workwear, company uniforms, and essential PPE is issued to employees every single day.
But how many UK companies are addressing what happens to these items of clothing and PPE when someone leaves, products are replaced or branding changes.
“90% of UK professional clothing goes into landfill. Less than 1% of this is reused to make new textiles.”
The size of this issue cannot be understated in today’s climate. It’s critical we all quickly understand how the disposal of these items is directly impacting our sustainable goals.
The employee dilemma. When issued with newer or different items of workwear or PPE – what happens to the items that are now no longer required or fit for purpose? Does the employer ask for them to be returned? Are they collected for recycling or secure disposal?
Unfortunately, the most common occurrence is that the employee is given the task of what to do next with these items.
At this point, the employee will be asking themselves: what are my options? For most other types of non-workwear clothing and equipment they would be choosing one of these: Donate to a charity shop, List on eBay, Place in a textile donation bin, Put in their refuse bin at home
This might seem like a simple move, but first employers need to understand why taking this responsibility is not just the right thing to do ethically.
The employers’ who truly value their brand reputation, will be interested in the ever-growing range of sustainable clothing, safety workwear, uniform, footwear, PPE and hi-vis garments – Tower can help. We can also provide a market-leading secure garment collection service that offers both a recycling and garment destruction service with 0% going to landfill.
We believe we have the answers so please ask the questions.
Mark Dowling, Divisional Managing Director
www.towersupplies.com
This article is featured in the May issue of the Dorset Business Focus magazine. Read on the online version here.