Workwear Recycling Breakthrough For St Michael's Hospice
Workwear recycling challenges overcome!
For many organisations, updating uniforms is an exciting step—whether it’s a fresh new look, a rebrand, or simply replacing worn-out clothing. However, what happens to the old uniforms? This is a critical question that businesses and charities alike need to consider.
St. Michael’s Hospice in North Hampshire recently faced this challenge. After receiving their new uniforms from Harlequin, they were left with a large quantity of old branded clothing that could no longer be used. They needed a solution that aligned with their values of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
The Risks of Disposing Of Branded Uniforms
Disposing of branded uniforms isn’t as simple as just throwing them away. St. Michael’s Hospice had two key concerns:
- Environmental Responsibility – As an organisation committed to sustainability, they wanted to ensure their old uniforms didn’t end up in landfills, contributing to textile waste.
- Brand Protection – Branded uniforms represent an organisation’s identity. If disposed of improperly, they could end up in the wrong hands, leading to potential misuse and reputational risks.
This is a problem that many businesses face, but not all are aware of the sustainable options available. That’s where Harlequin stepped in.
A Simple Yet Effective Recycling Solution
At Harlequin, we believe in offering more than just high-quality embroidered workwear—we provide complete solutions. When St. Michael’s Hospice needed a responsible way to handle their old uniforms, we offered to collect and recycle the garments.
Our recycling solution ensured:
✅ Sustainable Disposal – Instead of contributing to textile waste, the uniforms were responsibly processed, reducing environmental impact.
✅ Brand Security – All branded materials were handled securely to ensure that no logos or identity markers could be misused.
✅ Hassle-Free Service – The hospice didn’t need to worry about the logistics of disposal; we managed the process from start to finish.
By working together, we helped St. Michael’s Hospice stay true to their sustainability goals while ensuring peace of mind regarding their brand integrity.
Why Workwear Recycling Matters
The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste. In the UK alone, an estimated 300,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfills each year. By choosing responsible recycling solutions, businesses can make a significant impact on sustainability efforts.
For charities like St. Michael’s Hospice, this goes beyond environmental benefits—it also reinforces their commitment to ethical practices. Showing leadership in sustainability inspires others to follow suit and make conscious choices about uniform disposal.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Harlequin has worked with St. Michael’s Hospice for many years, supporting them in various ways. This uniform recycling project is just one example of how we go the extra mile for our clients. We don’t just supply products—we offer real solutions that align with our customers’ values.
Chris Griffiths, Operations Director at St. Michael’s Hospice, shared his experience:
“Working with Harlequin has been a seamless and rewarding experience. As part of our recent rebrand, updating our uniforms was an important project for us, but their team went above and beyond by offering a recycling service for our old uniforms, aligning perfectly with our values of sustainability and responsibility.
The quality of the new embroidered garments is outstanding, and the recycling process was handled with professionalism and care, ensuring our branded materials were disposed of securely and ethically. Harlequin truly demonstrated their commitment to exceptional service and innovative solutions. We’re delighted with the results and proud to have partnered with them on this project.”
How Your Business Can Recycle Workwear Responsibly
If your company or charity is updating uniforms, don’t let the old ones go to waste! Here’s how you can ensure ethical and secure disposal:
1️⃣ Partner with a trusted recycling provider – Work with companies that offer responsible uniform recycling, like Harlequin.
2️⃣ Prioritise brand security – Ensure that any branded elements (logos, embroidery, or patches) are securely handled to prevent misuse.
3️⃣ Choose sustainable alternatives – Instead of landfill disposal, explore recycling, upcycling, or donating options where possible.
4️⃣ Encourage responsible workwear policies – Create guidelines for staff on returning old uniforms when new ones are issued.
Ready to Make the Sustainable Choice?
At Harlequin, we’re here to help businesses transition to new uniforms responsibly. If you need a secure, environmentally friendly workwear recycling solution, get in touch with us today.
♻️ Let’s work together for a greener future! ♻️
