Packaging converter Opal has joined forces with textile recycling company BlockTexx to repurpose used uniforms from its Paper & Recycling Botany Mill. The uniforms will be processed into reusable fibres.
The pilot programme collected a 660-litre container of uniforms from staff at the mill. These garments will now undergo BlockTexx’s chemical separation process, which aims to divert textile waste from landfill and embrace circular economy principles.
Karen Jones, Botany Mill's environment, testing and management systems manager, said the initiative extends the site’s recycling efforts beyond its main operations.
“Opal’s Botany Mill is one of Australia’s largest cardboard recycling operations, and over the years we’ve implemented processes to support a circular economy and close the loop in our operations,” she said. “By partnering with BlockTexx to give our uniforms a new life, we are extending our waste reduction and recycling efforts beyond the production line.”
BlockTexx’s technology recovers fibres from end-of-life textiles, which it says can be used in various manufacturing applications.
Adrian Jones, co-founder of BlockTexx, said: “It’s fantastic to see a manufacturer in the paper and packaging industry taking proactive steps to further reduce its waste and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.”
Opal stated that it hopes the partnership will encourage other organisations to consider similar approaches to managing workplace textile waste.
