__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ alsico
This ties into the concept of environmental responsibility- a huge priority for alsico.“ Our focus on this started around 15 to 20 years ago and was based on a customer’ s feedback. They told us when the garments were at the end of their life, it was our waste, and we need to collect and dispose of it. At first, I thought it was annoying! But over the years, the search for a solution has evolved into something positive,” Vincent states.
This journey has resulted in alsico’ s Better Future System, a framework guiding its sustainability commitments. Central to this is arx, alsico’ s circular economy program for care, repair, rework, and recycling. Designed specifically for professional textiles- which differ significantly from consumer garments- arx emphasizes extending garment life through proper maintenance, laundry, and repairs. When garments are no longer needed but still in good condition, they can be reworked into new products; at true end-of-life, they enter the recycling stream. It’ s a comprehensive approach to creating circularity in the workwear sector. alsico is taking this further with the 3CL initiative, working collaboratively with partners from laundries to sorters and recyclers.“ We are constantly undertaking pilot projects to test how they handle recycling performance fibers and assess the cost. There is an economic reality that must be considered,” Vincent states.
For alsico, circularity starts with responsible material choices, and it has a goal to achieve 90 percent recycled fibers by 2040. Its first major step has recently been realized, with the launch of Kibo, made from 65 percent recycled polyester, and created from its own end-of-life garments.
Drawing on their experience with innovation, Vincent and Gauthier take a pragmatic approach to the Kibo launch.“ We looked at the market, where the most common fabric is 65 percent polyester, 35 percent cotton, and we’ re sticking with that
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