Making workwear more sustainable through responsible sourcing
Following completion of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project, a large volume of branded workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) was no longer needed. Donation was not suitable due to the risk of brand misuse or impersonation, while the cotton‑polyester blend used in the PPE could not be processed through standard textile recycling routes. As a result, disposal through incineration was initially presented as the only option.
To avoid this, the project team partnered with Avena, a specialist provider of secure textile destruction and recycling with a zero‑landfill policy. Using a three‑tier recycling process that prioritises reuse and material recovery, the initiative enables the secure recycling of 45 kilograms of PPE and workwear, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, overalls, footwear and lifting slings.
Of the material collected, 68% was repurposed into new products including insulation and fabric‑reinforced concrete, with only 32% requiring energy recovery, ensuring the materials were responsibly processed while protecting the Balfour Beatty brand.
45kg
of PPE and workwear diverted from landfill
68%
of collected material repurposed into new products
By diverting PPE from disposal routes, the initiative reduced waste, lowered carbon emissions and demonstrated how secure recycling can support both sustainability and brand protection.
