Five ways to use workwear more sustainably

Workwear is a large but often overlooked environmental issue. Making a new garment has the same environmental impact as 22 wash cycles (source: the European Textile Services Association, ETSA), so keeping a garment in use for longer is one of the simplest ways to reduce that impact. The good news: small everyday decisions extend the life of workwear considerably. Here are five practical tips.

1. Choose quality over quantity. Durable fabrics and well-made seams last several times longer than cheap workwear. One quality set worn for three years leaves a smaller footprint than three cheap ones worn out over the same period.
2. Wash correctly – and choose garments that can take it. Follow the care label: the right temperature, not washing too often, moderate drying. Worth knowing: cheaper work garments often have to be washed at low temperatures and cannot be tumble dried, so they quickly lose colour, shrink and wear out. Quality workwear built for industrial care withstands proper washing and drying and lasts far longer – and a longer life is exactly what sustainability means.
3. Repair rather than replace. A broken zip or a split seam is no reason to throw away a whole garment. A small repair adds years to a garment’s life and costs several times less than a new set.
4. Choose rental (the circular model). A rental service is one of the most effective sustainability solutions there is. Professional laundering optimises water and energy use, garments are cared for centrally, repaired and reused, and worn items are refreshed. You have to worry about neither the upkeep nor the write-off.
5. Take care of the end of life. When a garment really is worn out, it should not go to landfill – textiles can be recycled. Choose a supplier who takes responsibility for correct write-off and recycling.

The North Wave rental model puts these principles into practice for you: quality garments, professional care, repairs and responsible life-cycle management.