In a world where sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity, every uniform matters. As businesses face growing pressure to reduce waste and embrace more ethical operations, workwear is emerging as a surprisingly impactful place to start. While Arrow Uniforms designs garments to go the distance, extending the life of your uniforms requires care, planning, and a commitment to rethinking the lifecycle of clothing.
Here's how your business can re-wear, repair, and recycle uniforms to maximise their value – while doing good for the planet.
1. Re-wear: Make Uniform Longevity a Priority
The most sustainable uniform is the one already in circulation. But keeping garments in active use takes intention.
Best Practices for Re-wearing Uniforms:
- Rotate Uniforms: Encourage staff to alternate between sets to reduce wear and tear
- Follow Care Instructions Closely: Washing at the right temperature and avoiding harsh chemicals helps preserve fabric integrity
- Use Dedicated Workwear Bags: Minimise snagging and wear during laundering with mesh wash bags
- Educate Your Team: A quick staff guide or training session on uniform care can significantly reduce garment turnover
Real World Impact
Extending a uniform's life by just nine months can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30%.
2. Repair: Small Fixes, Big Sustainability Wins
Wear and tear is inevitable – but it doesn't mean a uniform's life is over. Simple repairs can dramatically extend usability and preserve brand consistency.
Build a Uniform Repair Strategy:
- Create a Repairs Kit On-Site: Stock basic tools for buttons, hems, and stitching
- Offer a Repair Service: Arrow can recommend local partners or in-house support to maintain larger uniform fleets
- Schedule Quarterly Uniform Checks: Catch issues before they become replacements
- Encourage a Repair Culture: Highlight team members who care for and repair their uniforms – it builds pride and reinforces values
3. Recycle: Responsible Disposal at End-of-Use
Even the best-made garments reach retirement eventually. But sending them to landfill shouldn't be the default.
Smarter Ways to Recycle:
- Work with Circular Providers: Partner with textile recyclers who specialise in workwear
- Enquire About Arrow's AROUND Programme: Designed to support circularity, AROUND enables customers to return work uniforms for recycling into new textile forms
- Educate Teams on Drop-Off Points: Make recycling as easy as disposal – include signage and collection bins
- Avoid Branded Landfill: Removing logos before disposal protects your brand and supports ethical waste handling
The Takeaway: Sustainability Doesn't End at Purchase
Choosing high-quality, ethically produced uniforms is just the start. By embedding re-wear, repair, and recycle practices into your workplace culture, you extend the value of your investment – and reduce your environmental footprint.
Whether you're a small business or managing a national uniform rollout, Arrow is here to support your sustainability journey – every step (and stitch) of the way.
Want to learn how your team can get involved?
Contact us to find out how AROUND can support your sustainability goals and simplify uniform returns.