12 | New idea takes off Workwear Recycled won the Environment Canterbury Sustainability and Environmental Award category at the 2024 South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Excellence Awards. South Canterbury Business Awards: Workwear Recycled T T Rosa Watson REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Timaru-based Workwear Recycled has come up with a solution to a headache many companies face, providing a way to recycle and redistribute end-of-life workwear. Annie and Nicholas Light, who also own Work Outfitters, saw a gap in the market for diverting end-of-life workwear away from the landfill. And its innovative thinking has not gone unnoticed by the business community locally and across New Zealand. It was named winner in the Environment Canterbury Sustainability and Environmental Award category at the 2024 South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Excellence Awards. “It was great recognition after a lot of work setting up a new business and establishing a completely new idea,” Annie tells Business South. The company operates out of a Washdyke facility, working directly with a number of partners to recycle as many different materials as possible. It provides a South Island hub for collection, and de-hardens garments back to enable more efficient recycling before sending them on. “Everything is weighed and counted, and CO2 emissions calculated.” They also work with several research and development programmes to develop new technology for the disposal of end-of-life materials currently not easily reused or repurposed, such as steel-capped boots. Removed buttons and toggles are kept and given away to community groups or organisations. Hard hats are made into items such as drum brake spacers, benchtops, tables and chairs. Other materials are passed onto Retex, a company that recycles and repurposes textile waste for the construction industry and other businesses. “Those products will never end up in the landfill,” Annie says. Workwear Recycled offered a solution for many companies that have old workwear piling up and had no idea what to do with it. “The last thing they want is for their logo to be in the landfill. Businesses have been looking for something like this for quite some time.” There are four staff at the facility, including one with special needs. Staff work different hours that are flexible for each person. “Everything can be managed around other commitments such as child care.” Annie was motivated to start the company having seen articles about textiles ending up in the landfill, and the emissions from that. “I just thought it was time to do something.” After six months of research, Workwear Recycled was established. Clients are located around New Zealand and include Fonterra, Meridian, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, Hilton Haulage, Watties, Rabobank, Port Otago and many more. Partner companies are provided with data that shows them how many kilograms were received and how much emissions were diverted from the landfill. They have also partnered with Waste Management NZ and Enviro NZ Waste Solutions that provide collection services.“It’s been great. There are some amazing people out there doing some amazing work.” Proud to support Workwear Recycled Ltd Helping build businesses from the ground up. Foundry56 — we dedicate ourselves to crafting innovative solutions for our clients. Level 1, 56 Bank Street, Timaru foundry56.nz +64 3 688 6644 office@foundry56.nz At Textile Products, a leading manufacturer in New Zealand for over 60 years, we are committed to transforming textile waste into valuable, endlessly recyclable products to provide a superior sustainable solution. Our mission is to lead the way in sustainable waste management by diverting textile waste from landfills and repurposing it into innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Textile Products offers a range of recycled products such as Wool Blend & Polyester Insulation, Felt, Geotextiles, Wadding, Underlays and Furniture Removal Blankets. 0800 394 222 sales@easyaccess.co.nz 22-24 Miami Parade, Onehunga, Auckland 1061 www.textile.co.nz www.retex.co.nz • Designed, manufactured & recycled in New Zealand, using New Zealand textile waste. • Diverted 6.5tn on textile waste in the past year • RETEX can be infinitely recycled • Family run and owned for over 60 years RETEX OFF ICIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF BEFORE AFTER
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