Work clothing – recycled material, longer service life and a returns system

Criteria of the tender

• Use recycled materials as much as possible
• Maintain the clothes properly for a longer service life
• Establish a returns system for an end-of-use scenario

Impact of the project

• Number of garments: 280
• Recycled material: 10 to 15%
• Maintenance: clothes are washed centrally to manage treatment; good drop-off and collection facilities have been set up to ensure this
• End of use: returns system with recycling, e.g. into construction materials

These three factors made this project a success

1. A contractor with clarity on the activities taking place in the chain The Amstelveen local authority chose a contractor that could oversee the chain, from production to processing. That choice has helped encourage and monitor circularity throughout the chain. It is sensible to pay attention to the influence of potential contractors when tendering. Take care not to exclude all small parties immediately.
2. Circular contract management The Amstelveen local authority included an innovation obligation in the contract. Specifically, the contractor must increase the percentage of recycled material in work clothing during the contract term. By establishing innovation by contract, you encourage further sustainability and also ensure that the contractor remains involved well after delivery.
3. Transparency and trust In this project, the Amstelveen local authority placed focus on a positive relationship with the contractor. It did this by not incorporating sanctions into the contract and by basing the agreement on partnership, rather than the more traditional client-contractor relationship.

Tips for a similar project

1. Incorporate incentives to ensure control of the circular cycle. Employees can return circular work clothing at various locations, or have it collected for cleaning and repair. By making returns easy, employees actually make use of the facility. This allows the Amstelveen local authority to monitor the numbers and condition of the clothes. Where necessary, clothes are repaired immediately. Another benefit of collection is that clothes can be cleaned at a central location. The contractor ensures that clothing is treated properly for as long as possible.
2. Involve the internal organisation. By setting up a focus group, for example, you can find out from users what it is that they need. You can also let them review the clothes in terms of look and feel, but also comfort (wear test). This is crucial in tenders where workers have to use the product themselves.
3. Check sustainable promises. After the tender, engage with market parties to verify their technical specifications. It is important to check carefully whether they can deliver on the promises made in their tender submission.

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