Northern recycles over 10,000kg of old uniforms in 1st year since turning environmental mission to employee clothing

NORTHERN has recycled over 10,000kg (10,390kg) of old uniforms in the last 12 months. In 2023, the train operator announced it had signed a deal with recycling specialist Avena so that its:- 'end of life' uniforms could be shredded and turned into:- 'further life products.'

The arrangement has saved over 4,000kg (4,364kg CO2e) of carbon emissions in the last 12 months (May 2023; April 2024) than if the same volume of material had been sent to landfill.

That's the equivalent of over 11,159 miles driven by an average petrol car or over 2,000kg (2,181kg) of coal being burned. It's also the same carbon emissions generated from charging 288,031 smart phones.

Northern has tens of thousands of pieces of uniform and workwear in use by colleagues across the business at any 1 time.

Many of the items feature the Northern logo and therefore have to be disposed of safely for security reasons; to avoid the possibility of items being used by those looking to impersonate rail workers and gain access to restricted areas of depots and stations.

As part of the new recycling drive, 'end of life' uniforms have been collected from 25 depots and train crew centres across the Northern network on a regular basis over the last year.

They are taken away and shredded by Avena, a specialist in brand security through processes including textile shredding, clothing destruction and textile recycling.

To mark the 1st Anniversary of their partnership with Avena, Northern has taken part in a video case study to encourage other organisations with high quantities of 'end of life' uniforms to recycle more.

Mike Roe, safety and environment director at Northern, said:- "Uniforms are something we have in abundance and through natural wear and tear and turnover of staff we regularly have to order-in fresh supplies. Knowing that we've sent over 10 tonnes of material for recycling through this initiative;- which would otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill - is something Northern can be proud of."

Elliott Garner, a spokesperson for Avena, said:- "We are delighted to have strengthened and expanded on our relationship with Northern over the past 12 months. The recent release of our joint video project underscores Northern's commitment to advancing sustainability goals, directly supported by the SecureBrand Uniform Recycling solution. Avena takes pride in securely recycling all Northern uniform in the most effective way possible, guaranteeing the recycling of all items collected resulting in complete avoidance from landfill. The implementation of SecureBrand across 25 Northern sites ensures branded uniform is captured, heavily reducing the risk of uniform breaches and impersonation attempts. We look forward to continuing securing the future of Northern for years to come."

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
 

Tesco teams up with its suppliers and charity In Kind Direct to help tackle hygiene poverty

TESCO has again joined forces with its suppliers of well known household brands such as:- Andrex, Aquafresh, Bodyform, Radox, Sure and Wilkinson Sword to help distribute millions of personal care items to people who are in need.

From now until 11 June 2024, for every 2 purchases by Tesco customers from a selection of essential hygiene products, its suppliers will donate a third hygiene item directly to charity, In Kind Direct.

Last autumn, Tesco teamed up with its suppliers to address rising levels of need and over 2 million products have already been donated as part of the campaign.

Participating in the campaign again is:- Unilever, Essity, Haleon, Kimberly-Clark and they are joined by a new partner, Edgewell.

These products will be distributed by In Kind Direct, who works with thousands of charities, community groups, foodbanks and Schools across the UK to get much needed hygiene products into the hands of people who need them.

Recent research commissioned by Essity in partnership with Tesco and In Kind Direct has illustrated how people are currently experiencing hygiene poverty.

Families are often impacted, and this survey revealed that 38% of Liverpool households with dependents have struggled to afford hygiene products such as shampoo or deodorant.

The survey also found that in Merseyside, those who have struggled to buy hygiene products during the last year have had to borrow from friends or family (38%), received items from a foodbank (13%), and avoid leaving the house (50%).

Rosanne Gray, CEO at In Kind Direct, said:- "Many people experiencing hygiene poverty face the impossible decision to heat, eat or keep clean on a daily basis, and unfortunately more and more people are being pushed into this position.
"We know hygiene poverty disproportionately affects those already struggling, but the research shows that financial difficulties are now impacting everyone. The ripple effect impacts mental health, workplace productivity and School attendance; it's something that requires collective action which is why we've formed this partnership with Tesco and some of our committed corporate partners to help reduce hygiene poverty in the UK."

Thomas Maier, Category Buying Manager for Beauty and Personal Care at Tesco, added:- "This new research highlights how the number of families being impacted by hygiene poverty has grown in recent years. That is why the work done by In Kind Direct to help people is so important and we are really pleased to be working again with our suppliers to provide hygiene products where they are needed most."

The campaign is running in Tesco superstores across the United Kingdom until:- Tuesday, 11 June 2024.