Lindström India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Finnish corporation Lindström Oy, a leading global provider of textile rental services specialising in workwear and cleanroom solutions, has recently reiterated its dedication to sustainability through a proactive new initiative. The company has taken a step towards environmental responsibility by integrating recycled polyester sourced from PET bottles into its range of workwear garments. This move aligns closely with Lindström’s commitment to science-based climate objectives, underscoring its focus on sustainable practices.
The process entails sorting and cleansing of PET bottles, followed by mechanical shredding into small flakes, and subsequent melting and refining of the material. The resultant fibres are then blended with 35 per cent cotton to produce a fabric that combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester.
Anisha Mukherjee, Lindström India’s Head of Procurement & Sustainability, highlighted the primary advantage of the 65 per cent recycled polyester/35 per cent cotton fabric, emphasising its significantly reduced environmental footprint. By incorporating recycled polyester derived from post-consumer plastic bottles, the production process plays a pivotal role in diverting plastic waste away from landfills. This not only helps in conserving resources but also reduces the necessity for virgin polyester production, a process known for its substantial energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
These fibres can be utilised in various textile applications, including clothing fabrics and upholstery materials. The utilisation of recycled polyester textiles diminishes the demand for new raw materials and mitigates the environmental impact associated with polyester production methods. Studies from the Textile Exchange suggest that the recycled polyester manufacturing materials could result in 30 per cent lower CO2 emissions compared to virgin polyester materials, utilizing 45 per cent less energy and 20 per cent less water. Additionally, recycling efforts aid in preventing plastic bottles from entering oceans and landfills.
The 65:35 blend of recycled polyester and cotton offers a blend of natural comfort and durability. The resulting fabric is not only soft, breathable, and resilient but also long-lasting, contributing to reduced demand for replacement products and promoting sustainable workwear practices while decreasing textile waste.
Since introducing workwear made from recycled polyester sourced from PET bottles, Lindström has received positive feedback from its clients. Lindström Oy stands among the 4,500 companies with science-based climate targets approved and is part of the global cohort of 2,897 companies dedicated to achieving net-zero targets. The increasing number of companies setting science-based climate goals underscores the growing importance of sustainability in today’s business landscape.
