Handler Hactl ‘upcycles’ old uniforms
16 / 09 / 2024
Source: Hactl
Hong Kong cargo handler Hactl has upcycled 5,000 old uniforms that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
Polyester fibres from the uniforms were recycled through melt-granulation and other processes into raw plastic granules that were then used to manufacture recyclable plastic cups.
The old uniforms were made of durable, waterproof blended fibres, which are typically difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill.
Even when recycled, they are only used to create recycled textile fibres for manufacturing new clothing.
The cups made from the uniforms can be recycled again in future to create other products, which, Hactl said, demonstrates the possibility and potential of achieving a circular economy.
Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong said: “In Hong Kong, the aviation industry, like many industries, provides uniforms for frontline staff. Dealing with old uniforms is an important environmental issue.
“We hope that through this project, we can break through traditional limitations and recycle old uniforms to achieve ‘zero waste upcycling’ and reduce the burden on landfills, while encouraging the industry to contribute towards a circular economy and sustainable development.”
The project is part of Hactl’s Green Terminal programme launched in 2018. It has committed to achieving a 75% waste recycling rate by 2030 and the “Zero Waste Uniform Upcycling Project” is one of Hactl’s most significant initiatives to help realise this goal.
