To find a solution, we turned to a longstanding partner — Upparel, Australia’s leading textile recovery and recycling company. By collecting unwanted clothing, shoes and workwear, Upparel prevents items from ending up in landfill and instead gives them a second life. Items in good condition are distributed to trusted charity partners, while textiles unfit for reuse are shredded into fibre and recycled into circular products such as UPtex and FillUP. By diverting textiles from landfill and re-imagining their potential, Upparel is setting a new benchmark for circularity in Australia.  

Learn more about UPPAREL.

To put this challenge into action, we provided Upparel with physical samples of used structural firefighting suits. Following decontamination, Upparel analysed the garments using their advanced recycling processes. The results were promising:  

• Approximately 85% of the garment components — including the jacket and bottoms — were recyclable.  
• The remaining 15% comprised zips, buckles, and fastenings not yet compatible with recycling streams.  
• The suits’ primary fabric composition (nylon/polyamide with elastane) was well-suited to Upparel’s tearing and shredding processes.  
  

This marks the first time Upparel has successfully recycled structural firefighting suits — and together, we now have a tested and validated solution ready to be implemented for our emergency services customers.  

Firefighting gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, but its strength has always worked against it at end of life. By demonstrating that structural suits can be broken down and repurposed, we’re extending the circular economy into one of the most complex uniform categories.  

This shift not only reduces landfill but creates a new standard for how high-performance garments can be responsibly managed across their entire lifecycle.  

This project reflects Workwear Group’s broader mission: to partner with customers and organisations in finding solutions that balance performance, protection, and sustainability. By pioneering end-of-life recycling options for such a critical garment stream, we are championing innovation that delivers both customer value and positive impact for the planet.  

“The partnership with Upparel and our drive for continuous enhancement are at the forefront. This trial and solution can redefine industry standards and create enduring changes in how we repurpose structural ensembles. Our proactive, solution-oriented approach demonstrates our commitment to local collaboration and thorough feasibility studies to ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders. It’s about delivering local, planet-conscious solutions.” 
— Arthur Thomasse, Group Manager, Design Research & Development, Workwear Group 

We’re proud to be taking bold steps forward with partners like Upparel, exploring innovative technologies to support a more sustainable future for frontline uniforms. It’s another way we’re delivering on our commitment to Tailoring a Better Tomorrow.