NZAS – Giving old uniforms a new life through local partnership

2024

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters partnered with Workwear Recycled to repurpose about 10,000 items of clothing made redundant by a change of uniform for its 750 employees. Textiles were diverted from landfill and transformed into useful products like insulation and packaging materials, reducing waste and carbon emissions. Plastic from safety glasses and hard hats are upcycled. A research project is also underway as part of the firms’ ongoing relationship to investigate ways to recycle steel-capped boots.