7-Eleven Australia is looking at ways to reduce textile waste going to landfill by working with Loop Upcycling to recycle old uniforms.
7-Eleven and Loop Upcycling identified what their old uniforms and other textiles could be turned into and, collaborating with The Salvation Army and AMES Australia, determined they were best turned into beanies and donated to people experience homelessness.
Julie Laycock, General Manager – Customer at 7-Eleven Australia, said being able to support those in need and redirect waste from landfill is something they are trying to do more of.
“Loop, in addition to recycling textiles, provides workplace and skills training for vulnerable people. This project has created some extraordinary moments for connection and caring in our communities and we are looking forward to continuing to trial ways to reduce waste across our business.”
In addition to providing beanies to those in need, the collaboration has diverted more than 143kg of clothing from landfill.
Franco Randazzo, CEO of Loop Upcycling, said many of the participants who produced the beanies have themselves been supported by organisations like The Salvation Army or AMES Australia.
“For them to have the chance to work on a project that not only benefits the environment and helps them learn new skills, but also provides them the chance to give back to organisations who have been there for them in times of struggle has been really extraordinary.
“Our participants were excited to learn how to make this product and were so happy to hear the beanies would be donated to people who are in need. The beanies are great fun to make especially when split into small manageable steps, which enabled our less confident sewists to really build on their existing skills. After only a few days in the warehouse we already had participants bringing in lunch to share, handing out fruits from their own garden and sitting together sharing stories.”
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