Eco-responsible workwear: a sustainable trend

What is eco-responsible workwear?

They are designed and manufactured with sustainability in mind. This means that they are produced in such a way as to minimise their environmental impact at every stage of their life cycle: from the selection of materials to manufacture, use and end-of-life management. These garments are distinguished by :

• The use of sustainable materials: circular, recycled or natural fibres such as Lyocell (made from eucalyptus, beech or spruce from ecologically managed forests and processed at FSC-certified sites) or organic cotton are gradually replacing synthetic materials. ALM regularly collaborates in working groups or with research centres (such as CETeLor: Centre d'essais textile lorrain) to find new fibres (based on nettle, mushrooms, milk casein) or new processes (such as waterless dyes). ALM is an ambassador for Renaissance Textile, a company with a mission, which defibres end-oflife professional clothing to produce long circular fibres (secondary raw material) for respinning.

• An environmentally-friendly production process: This includes reducing CO2 emissions by using low-carbon energies (biomass, solar panels, hydroelectricity, etc.), reducing water use & using less toxic dyes. Weavers and finishers who adopt these practices aim to minimise their carbon footprint and comply with strict waste management standards,

• Optimising durability and repairability: eco-responsible clothing is designed to last. Their sturdiness reduces the need for frequent replacement, and their design allows for easy repairs, extending their lifespan.

Why are companies opting for eco-responsible clothing?

1.      Reducing the ecological footprint: companies are increasingly aware of their impact on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly workwear, they can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and play an active part in the fight against climate change,

2.      Enhanced brand image: adopting sustainable practices is no longer just a question of regulatory compliance, but also a differentiation strategy. A company that opts for ecoresponsible workwear sends out a strong message to its stakeholders (customers, partners, employees, etc.): that of a real commitment to a greener future!

3.      Employee well-being: well-designed, eco-responsible clothing can be healthier for those who wear it (medical clothing: medical gown, tunic, waistcoat, etc., kitchen clothing: jacket, trousers, apron, etc.). Made from natural, non-toxic materials, they can in some cases reduce the risk of allergies.

4.      Responding to wearers' expectations: our employees are increasingly attentive to the ethics of the companies they work for. By adopting a sustainable sourcing policy, companies are responding to growing expectations in terms of transparency and social responsibility.

5.      Compliance with regulatory requirements: new legislative constraints are gradually encouraging professionals to make more virtuous choices, particularly under the Anti-

Waste for a Circular Economy Act (AGEC). The areas affected include

 Circular economy: engage in a circular economy by rethinking processes to encourage the re-use of medical equipment, repair rather than replacement, and the design of products with recyclable materials. 

 Environmental responsibility: making decision-makers aware of their environmental responsibility by limiting the use of harmful substances, and implementing environmentally-friendly practices throughout their operations.

 Responsible sourcing: reconsidering sourcing practices in favour of environmentally-friendly suppliers, purchasing eco-labelled products, and taking environmental considerations into account during the purchasing process.

 Energy performance: optimising energy performance by reducing energy consumption, adopting more energy-efficient technologies, and possibly investing in renewable energy sources.

 Social responsibility: intensifying the social commitment of our establishments by improving working conditions, encouraging social inclusion and promoting ethical practices.

The challenges ahead

Despite these advantages, companies wishing to adopt eco-responsible workwear face a number of challenges:

 The initial cost of these garments is currently higher than that of traditional alternatives, which is holding back many companies,

 The range of eco-responsible workwear (women's tunics, men's work trousers, kitchen jackets, etc.) remains limited. A garment that is cared for in an industrial laundry is highly tested, and the fabric must be resistant. For example, an item made from 195 or 215gr/m2 fabric made from 50% cotton & 50% Lyocell (or recycled polycotton) is more fragile to care for than an item made from 210gr/m2 fabric made from 65% polyester & 35% cotton (work bottoms such as trousers or shorts; work tops such as jackets, overalls, so shells or blouses).

 The collection of end-of-life clothing and the production of circular fibres are struggling to become widespread,

 Few countries have an ambitious environmental policy.

It is crucial for companies to work with suppliers who share their environmental values. Lowcost ready-to-wear clothing gives the textile industry an appalling image. Furthermore, some companies adopt "greenwashing" practices: they exaggerate or lie about their environmental commitments in order to attract ecologically-minded customers. This can sow confusion and reduce the confidence of decision-makers or bearers. At ALM, we are convinced that we can change the way our industry is viewed by acting collectively in favour of Sustainable Development.

The future of eco-responsible workwear

The future of eco-responsible workwear looks bright. Several factors indicate that this trend is here to stay:

 Regulatory developments: numerous regulations are emerging to encourage or require companies to adopt more sustainable practices. These include laws on carbon footprints, waste management and the use of chemicals, which encourage the adoption of eco-friendly clothing.

 Continued innovation: innovation in sustainable materials and production processes continues to progress, making eco-responsible clothing more accessible and less expensive. The development of a clothing recycling industry could transform this fast-growing market.

 Cultural change: beyond regulations and innovations, there is a profound cultural change where sustainability is becoming a central aspect of modern lifestyle. Companies that move in this direction are more likely to prosper in the long term.

Adopting eco-responsible workwear is not a passing trend; it's a concrete step that reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and the preservation of our planet. Companies that are moving in this direction today are not only pioneers in their sector, they are also leading the way towards a greener, more responsible future for us all.

At ALM, we are aware of our responsibilities. Here are a few examples of our commitments:

We make it easier to recycle end-of-life items,

We offer durable articles (designed for industrial maintenance, easy to repair) & eco-designed (recycled fibre, circular fibre, natural fibre... but also optimisation of the use of materials: simple cut, optimisation of placements, rationalisation of models...). In concrete terms, for example, we purchased over 72,000m of white Lyocell fabric in 2024,

Our products are guaranteed to be free from harmful substances (heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, benzene, allergenic dyes, etc.),

We source OekoTex-certified items from reputable suppliers with whom we develop long-term partnerships,

 For many years, we have been offering energy-saving products (for industrial maintenance, all-dried products, etc.),

 We have put in place an ethics charter, committing us in particular to ensuring & reinforcing the safety of our employees and, more broadly, of our stakeholders (partners respecting the charter of the ILO (International Labour Organisation) global network),

 Our suppliers are also making a commitment by signing our responsible purchasing charter,

We are gradually training all our employees in CSR & SD issues,

We regularly offer innovative products (optical brightener, ring-ring mesh, technical or bio-sourced fibre, etc.).

Do not hesitate to contact ALM customer service.