Hull-based Arco has begun using environmentally-conscious recycled threads from a company in Ripon in the personalised workwear it produces.
The threads are made from recycled plastic bottles, and are part of the Polyneon Green range from a company called Madeira. They’re made from 100% recycled PET bottles, reducing carbon emissions associated with virgin thread production and reducing the amount of plastic in the environment.
Over the course of 2022, when the trial began, 62% of the cones supplied from Madeira were Polyneon Green. So far in 2023, 67% of the total cones supplied to Arco have been with thread made from the alternative. The trial has involved more than a tonne of thread.
In addition to the thread being made from recycled materials, they are also certified to be free from harmful chemicals. The boxes that the cones are packaged in are made of 66% recycled cardboard and are fully recyclable, the protective wrapper used for each cone is also 100% recyclable.
According to a recent study by the European Environment Agency, EU consumers discard 5.8 million tonnes of textiles annually, two thirds of which from synthetic fibres. This accounts for around 13% of all plastic waste globally.
Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: “At Arco, we work in partnership with our suppliers, customers and relevant bodies to develop and provide responsible solutions for safer businesses.
“Switching to recycled threads is an example of how Arco is taking action for a safer tomorrow and making it easier for our customers to meet their sustainability and circularity goals and to be confident in making more responsible purchase decisions.”
Andrew Maylor, MD of Madeira UK, said: “As a long-term supplier of embroidery threads and accessories to Arco, we are proud to be working in partnership with them to help take action for a more sustainable future.
“Our Polyneon Green range was created in response to the global demand to reduce plastic bottles. With Polyneon Green, we are reducing the amount of plastic in the environment and making the textile industry more sustainable. Our aim is to develop the range further so that our customers can continue to have more sustainable options to choose from.”
