Public transport service Transdev has started a trial at its Sydney Light Rail and Sydney and Queensland bus operations to recycle old uniforms.

Clean technology company BlockTexx operates Australia’s only commercial-scale textile recovery facility, which uses a patent-pending chemical process to break down polyester-cotton blended fabrics.

The recovered cellulose can then be used to make textiles, paints, hydromulch, concrete and more. The recovered polyester is used to make textiles and in injection moulding for playground equipment and coat hangers.

Brian Brennan, Transdev Chief Executive Officer, said the new partnership was another practical way Transdev was acting on sustainability, innovation and social enterprise.

“Recycling old uniforms, which would otherwise be dumped, is much more sustainable. And using a more innovative process to recover higher-grade fibres with the help of a social enterprise with supported workers, just makes sense,” Brennan said.

It’s the pursuit of technology-driven ideals that sits well with Adrian Jones, co-founder of BlockTexx.

“BlockTexx closes the loop of unwanted clothing and textiles by diverting these materials from landfill. Through our advanced remanufacturing processes textiles are given a second life.

“We’ve also partnered with social impact organisation HELP Enterprises. Their skilled workforce completed the pre-processing by removing labels, buttons and zippers from the uniforms.”

Read the post here - congratulations HELP Enterprises!