Opal partners with BlockTexx to reduce uniform waste

Opal, a recycling, paper and packaging business, has partnered with textile recycling expert BlockTexx to recycle its company’s uniforms.

BlockTexx’s technology recovers valuable fibres from end-of-life textiles, transforming them into new materials that can be used in a variety of applications.

The initiative will see old and unused uniforms from Opal’s Paper & Recycling Botany Mill collected and recycled, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability.

As part of the pilot program, a 660 L container of uniforms has already been collected from Botany Mill team members. These uniforms will undergo BlockTexx’s textile recycling process, which breaks down garments into reusable fibres.

Environment, Testing and Management Systems Manager at the Botany Mill Karen Jones said the partnership shows how businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing the environmental challenges posed by textile waste.

“Opal’s Botany Mill is one of Australia’s largest and most advanced cardboard recycling operations, and over the years we’ve implemented processes to support a circular economy and close the loop in our operations,” Jones 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.”

Opal hopes that the partnership with BlockTexx will inspire other organisations to explore similar solutions for their own workplace waste.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Botany Mill on this exciting initiative,” said Adrian Jones, BlockTexx co-founder.

“It’s fantastic to see a major manufacturer in the paper and packaging industry taking proactive steps to further reduce its waste and demonstrate leadership in sustainability. This initiative not only helps divert textile waste from landfill but also shows how textile recycling can be an integral part of corporate responsibility.”

Image caption: An Opal team member recycling their old uniform in the 660 L uniform collection bin. Image supplied by Opal.