Dutch aWEARness uses 100% recyclable and sustainable polyester fabric in its closed-loop manufacturing process for industrial workwear.

Dutch aWEARness operates a closed-loop manufacturing process for its workwear production by using a recyclable polyester fabric. The company offers a leasing model where they retain ownership of the materials used, and customers pay for the performance of clothes over an agreed number of years. By using their Circular Content Management System to monitor every step of the process, the company demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a circular supply chain.

The question is not whether we will work according to the principles of the circular economy, the question is when we will work in the circular economy.

Rien Otto – CEO, Dutch aWEARness.

As the workwear garments are worn out, they are collected from large customers like Desso, Dutch Public Works and Volkswagen. They are then shredded into polyester fibres and turned into new yarn through a process of melt spinning. Finally, the yarn is woven into new so-called ‘Infinity Fabrics’ that are used to create new workwear garments, closing the production-consumption loop.

Why you should care

The polyester manufacturing process is reliant on petrochemical inputs and has negative environmental impacts. By recycling polyester, Dutch aWEARness significantly reduces the volume of polyester textiles sent to landfills, and reduces new polyester demand.

How the Global Goals are addressed

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

No waste is generated from the polyester recycling process, and water consumption is reduced by up to 50% compared to conventional workwear manufacturing.

Responsible Consumption and Production

The company Dutch aWEARness presents a high-quality, competitive and sustainable alternative for industrial workwear.

Climate Action

Workwear from Dutch aWEARness creates 20% less CO2 emissions per garment than conventional alternatives, according to the company.