Circular workwear in construction and industry
Appropriate workwear contributes to good working conditions. Still, it is part of a textile industry that consumes enormous amounts of water, energy and other resources while emitting CO2 and pollutants. Moreover, textiles end up too quickly as waste.
IVAs 100-lista 2023
Public debate and research have focused on fashion. However, workwear also has a large improvement opportunity with some construction workers treating it as a consumable. Reducing the amount of textile consumed while ensuring good working conditions has a considerable environmental and business potential.
Together with the partner companies we explore both theoretically and in practice, a variety of circular business models for workwear for established companies and start-ups. By combining design choices such as modular workwear with a circular value chain that facilitates washing, repair and recycling, we identify circular business models that are financially viable while also reduce environmental impacts compared to business-as-usual.
