Using workwear for longer reduces resource consumption, saves energy and minimizes waste. It also helps reduce the climate impact of textile production, which accounts for a large share of emissions in the life cycle of clothing.
The production of workwear requires a lot of energy, water and chemicals. Much of the climate impact occurs at the production stage, where raw materials such as cotton and synthetic fibers are processed and dyed.
When a garment is used for longer, the environmental impact is spread over more uses. This means that each use results in a lower average climate impact.
According to several environmental reports, doubling the lifespan can reduce the total climate impact by up to almost 50%. The need for new production decreases the longer the garment is used.
| Factor | Impact of new production | Reduction with doubled lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | High | -40-50 % |
| Water use | Very high | -45-50 % |
| Carbon dioxide emissions | Significant | -40 % |
Longer life of workwear brings direct savings through reduced purchases. Companies that maintain and repair their garments regularly can reduce their textile costs over time.
From an environmental point of view, this means less transportation, less waste and less need for raw materials. This leads to a more sustainable use of resources.
Simple measures such as proper washing, the right temperature and avoiding fabric softeners can prolong the performance and protective properties of garments. This is particularly true for high-visibility and protective clothing, where reflective and flame-retardant properties are otherwise compromised by improper care.
Carbon dioxide emissions from textile production come mainly from electricity and heat use in factories and transportation. Reducing new production can significantly reduce these emissions.
If a company doubles the lifetime of its workwear, total carbon emissions per garment can be halved. Emissions from manufacturing and distribution are then spread over a longer period of use.
This makes extended use a cost-effective climate action. It does not require large investments, just better care, repair and reuse practices.
By caring for workwear properly, companies and employees can reduce both costs and environmental impacts. Longer life is achieved through regular care, proper laundering and active reuse.
Workwear wears out quickly with daily use, but proper maintenance significantly extends its lifespan. It is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions and to inspect garments regularly to detect damage early.
Small holes, worn seams or broken zippers should be fixed before they get worse. Storage also affects durability.
Clothes should dry properly before hanging to avoid mold and odors. Store them in a dry, ventilated place and avoid direct sunlight that can fade textiles.
A simple routine can consist of:
Improper washing shortens the life of clothing. Many people wash work clothes too often or at too high temperatures, which breaks down the fibers.
It is better to wash only when really needed and to choose a mild detergent without bleach. Use the right temperature according to the label - often 40°C is enough.
For oily or heavily soiled garments, pre-treating stains can reduce the need for heavy washing. Avoid tumble dryers when possible, as heat wears textiles down.
A simple washing schedule might look like this:
| Type of garment | Recommended temperature | Drying method | Washing frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton garments | 40 °C | Air drying | After 2-3 uses |
| Functional garments | 30 °C | Drip dry | When needed |
| Rain and protective garments | 30 °C | No tumble dryer | When dirt affects performance |
When workwear starts to wear out, repairs can extend its life. Sewing up seams, replacing buttons or reinforcing exposed areas is often cheaper than buying new.
Companies can also set up procedures to collect and repair textiles centrally. Reuse is a smart way to reduce waste.
Clothes that no longer meet safety requirements can be used in simpler tasks or donated for internal training. By partnering with local sewing workshops, organizations can strengthen circular use and reduce climate impact.
It also creates better control over the quality and life cycle of each garment.
Top Swede
Top Swede
Portwest
Nantes Hi-Vis Contrast Work Coverall
Top Swede
Top Swede
Top Swede
Top Swede
Portwest
Digitalization and automation make it possible to extend the lifespan of workwear through better traceability and more efficient maintenance. Companies today use technological systems that provide control over each garment and ensure that clothes are used longer.
RFID chips are used to identify and track each garment throughout its life cycle. The technology makes it possible to record usage, washes, repairs and reuse in real time.
When each garment has a unique chip, companies can quickly detect when it needs servicing or when it is time for recycling. The system provides full visibility of how workwear circulates between users, laundries and warehouses.
This reduces the risk of losses and overproduction as each garment can be accurately tracked. Many suppliers, such as Swedol with its Recare service, use RFID to create circular flows.
This gives better control over textile resources and contributes to a lower climate impact by making clothes last longer.
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Real-time traceability | Reduced loss of garments |
| Efficient logistics | Shorter lead times |
| Data-driven maintenance | Longer service life |
Automation in washing and repair processes reduces wear and tear and error handling. Washing systems controlled by sensors and software can adjust the temperature, water quantity and detergent to the material and condition of each garment.
This prevents unnecessary wear and preserves textile quality for longer. Repair systems with digital detection allow damage to be quickly identified and repaired.
When RFID data is linked to these systems, garments can be automatically sorted for washing, repair or reuse. The combination of automation and data collection improves efficiency and reduces the need for re-production.
Companies also get better statistics on usage patterns, allowing them to optimize purchases and reduce overall textile costs over time.
Organizations can reduce climate impact and costs by choosing textiles with a long lifespan, setting sustainability requirements in procurement and planning for reuse. This contributes to a more efficient use of resources and a more circular flow of workwear.
Choosing the right materials is actually crucial if you want to double the lifespan of workwear. Recycled fibers, organic cotton and blended materials with high durability reduce the need for new production.
Materials that can be washed and repaired last longer and reduce waste.
Suppliers need to be able to show certifications such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS or EU Ecolabel.
Such certificates show that production takes into account chemicals, working conditions and environmental impact.
For procurement, companies can use a checklist:
Working closely with suppliers offering rental and service solutions makes it easier to follow the whole life cycle of the garment.
Indeed, companies that want to reduce their environmental impact need to implement clear sustainability strategies for workwear. This involves planning purchasing, use and recycling as a whole.
A good strategy includes:
Municipalities and companies, such as the City of Gothenburg, have started to integrate circularity into their procurement processes. They are requiring suppliers to reuse and traceability, which reduces waste and resource consumption.
When workwear no longer works as intended, it should enter a circular flow. Repairing, redesigning and recycling textiles allows them to be used for longer.
Services such as laundry and reuse systems with RFID tracking, like Swedol's Recare, make it possible to follow each garment and optimize its lifespan.
Companies can put in place procedures for:
Recycling fibers into new products reduces the need for new resources and makes the textile flow a bit more sustainable.
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Workwear companies are now developing solutions that reduce wear and tear on clothes, extend their lifecycle and minimize waste. Circular services, repair and reuse make it possible to both save resources and contribute to sustainable production.
Swedol offers Recare, a service that extends the life of workwear through repair, washing and quality assurance. Clothes are collected, inspected and repaired according to set standards before being used again.
The service enables companies to reduce purchase volumes while maintaining safety requirements. Through labeling and digital tracking, Swedol can ensure that garments are used for as long as possible before being replaced.
Advantages of Recare:
Several stakeholders are working together to create common standards around sustainable workwear. Collaborations between suppliers, laundries and recyclers have made it possible to develop lifecycle-based models where clothes are designed for repair and reuse.
Initiatives in construction, industry and the public sector focus on reducing waste and improving logistics flows. Through shared resources and joint procurement, organizations can increase efficiency and reduce climate impact.
Examples of areas of cooperation:
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Textile recycling | Reuse of fibers and materials |
| Laundry and repair chains | Extending the life of garments |
| Digital traceability | Control over use cycles |
Doubling the lifespan of workwear requires the right choice of materials, regular care and a little innovation. Washing, maintaining and repairing garments when needed can significantly reduce both climate impact and costs.
Workwear users can increase the durability of their garments by keeping them clean, whole and dry. Dirt and moisture break down fibers faster, leading to wear and tear.
Repairing small damages immediately and storing clothes in a dry place will make them last longer.
Materials such as polyester, cotton blends and cordura are often used for their high durability. Wool is also good in some environments as it is naturally dirt-repellent and requires less washing.
The choice of material should be adapted to the protection, warmth and mobility requirements of the working environment.
Yes, washing instructions play an important role. Workwear should be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions and at the right temperature to preserve the protective functions.
Avoiding overdosing of detergents and air-drying when possible reduces both wear and energy consumption.
Regular maintenance ensures that garments maintain their fit, function and level of protection. Inspecting seams, zippers and reflective details can detect damage early and avoid major problems.
Well cared for garments last much longer than garments that do not receive as much care.
Manufacturers are developing materials with reinforced fibers, dirt-repellent surfaces and recycled textiles. Some companies also offer professional laundry and repair services, reducing the need for new production.
Such innovations actually make it easier to use clothes for longer and in a more sustainable way.
Repairing small holes or replacing broken zippers can really extend the life of workwear. It is quite amazing how much longer garments last just by reinforcing exposed areas.
Reusing clothes, for example by letting someone else at work take them over or selling them second hand, reduces the need to buy new ones. This actually makes a difference to the environment, as the climate impact per garment drops significantly.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.
