Green by Nature Transforms Old Uniforms Into Sustainable Art and Office Supplies

Green By Nature, has launched an innovative recycling initiative to address the challenge of disposing of old uniforms, following a recent rebranding. In partnership with Textile Products, Stark Digita, and Cube, the

company has successfully converted over a tonne of discarded uniforms into high-quality, sustainable office products, and artwork. Öur commitment to sustainability goes beyond our services. We wanted to find a

solution that aligned with our values and showcased our dedication to reducing waste,” said Cameron Parr, Director New Zealand, at Green By Nature. “This initiative not only solves our uniform disposal problem but

also creates beautiful, functional products we can use in our daily operations.”‘

The process involves collecting old uniforms from Green by Nature depots across New Zealand and transporting them to Textile Products in Onehunga, Auckland. The uniforms are then transformed into Retex boards –

a versatile material made entirely from recycled textiles. Partnering with Stark Digital and Cube, these boards are further processed into various products including wall art, mouse pads, and coasters.

Key highlights of the initiative include:

1. Over a tonne of uniforms diverted from landfills

2. Use of electric vehicles for transportation where possible

3. Creation of a closed-loop recycling system

4. Production of high-quality office supplies and artwork from recycled materials

The company is now exploring additional applications for the Retex boards, including cricket net protectors, standing desk mats, weed matting, and temporary signage.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when the fashion industry is under scrutiny for its environmental impact. According to recent estimates, 92 million tonnes of the 100 billion garments produced annually end up in landfills. The industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 3% of global CO2 emissions.

“We’re proud to be part of the solution,” Cameron Parr added. “This project demonstrates that with creativity and the right partnerships, we can turn potential waste into valuable resources.”