Improving how we manage PPE
Workwear is used every day across Balfour Beatty’s projects, making it an important area to reduce our environmental impact.
Our Responsible Sourcing team identified the need to make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and workwear more sustainable, focusing on reducing carbon, strengthening ethical sourcing and increasing garment longevity.
In July 2025, we worked with our PPE and workplace safety partner Arco to transition all navy workwear garments to the Arco Responsible Workwear range. This followed Arco’s 2024 event highlighting the importance of more sustainable PPE.
The new range includes polo shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and cargo trousers manufactured using certified recycled fabrics and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton, supported by a fully verified supply chain to ensure ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Designed for durability and comfort, the garments help extend product life while reducing the environmental impact associated with replacement and disposal.
The initiative also supports a more circular approach to PPE. Working with Stuff4Life Workwear Ltd, end‑of‑life PPE can now be recycled into new garments, helping to reduce waste and recover valuable materials for reuse.
Additional measures – including garment repair, laundering and the transition of additional workwear items – will continue to extend produce life and embed sustainability into everyday workwear across the business.
