Tranemo Workwear: Workwear is recycled and becomes new

Workwear that is worn out, complex and perhaps even contaminated with unwanted chemicals, is it something that can be recycled into new products? In the TexChain3 project, we have carried out a pilot together with Tranemo Workwear. We started with one of the most difficult materials to reuse and recycle: ready-made, complex workwear with a risk of unwanted chemicals.

Tranemo's goal during the pilot was to extend the life of its garments. Through prototyping and mechanical recycling as well as quality and chemical testing, the production of a new wadding from end-of-life workwear, which can be used as a lining in a jacket, was explored. The answer to the question of whether this is possible is still unknown, but the results show great potential for success and the pilot has contributed to increased knowledge about the reuse of complex materials.