The personnel of network operator Alliander receives circular safety clothing. All 2,600 technicians must have new clothing before the end of the year. With the circular safety clothing, Alliander wants to take a step towards circular operational management.
A consortium of three companies can supply the package of new clothing. The package includes safety clothing with reflective tapes, work clothing, and personal protective equipment. Employees can order new clothing via an app, it will be delivered within 24 hours.
Tailored to staff
According to the network manager, the clothing is better tailored to the work of the staff than before. A thermopile with long sleeves is now provided. “Warm in the winter and cooling in the summer,” Alliander describes. With the new clothing, the fit is also adapted to the work that is done.
With the circular clothing, Alliander also appeals to employees: the clothing must last as long as possible. Any damage to the clothing must be repaired as quickly as possible. Clothing that can no longer be used is taken by a textile recycler. The clothing is then recycled into a product of the same level; an old reflective jacket gets a second life as a safety jacket. If that is no longer possible, the clothing is processed into, for example, insulation material or car upholstery.
Circular in other ways
Alliander applies the circular principle in more places. For example, two buildings of the company were made circular during a recent renovation. In Arnhem, an office uses geothermal heat and cold to sustainably cool and heat. The energy that is needed is generated by solar panels on the roof. The building also has an energy buffer to store generated solar energy.
Other companies
Circular clothing is used by more companies. Last year the police announced that they would reuse the discarded uniforms. Hostokay staff and a number of construction companies have been wearing circular clothing for some time.