The Vancouver, Canada-based General Recycled and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Workite, are collaborating to create a closed-loop recycling program for flame-resistant (FR) workplace apparel in Malaysia and the surrounding area. The program’s main goal is to recycle old, non-biodegradable industrial clothing, especially from high-risk sectors like engineering, LNG, and the oil and gas industry.
Protective gear is mostly supplied to the oil and gas industries by Doite, a specialist in industrial workwear and PPE. The cooperation benefits from General Recycled’s 2012 establishment and flame-resistant clothing recycling experience. Through partnerships with value chain partners, the company has successfully established a closed-loop system in Canada that converts worn clothing into fibers, yarns, and certified flame retardant fabrics.
This program’s main focus is on para-aramid fibers, which are widely utilized in workwear. These fibers are non-biodegradable and cannot be burned, and they are recognized for being five to six times stronger than steel and naturally flame-resistant. If they aren’t recycled, they usually wind up in landfills. In order to ensure that these priceless fibers are reincorporated into the manufacturing cycle, General Recycled collaborates with end users and clothing manufacturers in Canada to gather waste and end-of-life clothing.
Through the collaboration with Doite, this model will be duplicated in Malaysia, offering circularity solutions for FR workwear throughout Asia. “We are thrilled to collaborate with General Recycling to provide our clients with a closed-loop recycling solution utilizing flame-resistant, non-biodegradable clothing,” stated Baharudin Bahari, CEO of Doite.
