The working world’s approach to workwear is changing. Most employees want workwear that offers protection from the elements. Workwear that provides protection to employees serves a double purpose. The purpose is to protect the employees from the elements while protecting the environment. Workwear that is made of waterproof and eco-friendly materials, and is ethically manufactured, protects employees while offering advanced weather protection. This guide takes a look at the most recent advancements in protective workwear that is both waterproof and eco-friendly, and help you select gear that offers excellent performance and helps protect the environment.
What Makes Waterproof Workwear Sustainable?
Sustainable workwear refers to more than just workwear fabricated from recycled materials. The sustainable waterproof workwear considers the entire life cycle of the fabric. This includes, but is not limited to, how the fabric is manufactured, how long it is expected to perform, and how it is expected to be disposed of at the end of its useful life. The expected useful life for workwear is typically less than 5 years. Some expected useful life features include recycled workwear fabric, eco-friendly finishes on workwear fabric, and workwear fabric construction that facilitates workwear fabric recycling. Examples of mono-material construction for workwear feature a use of a single material (e.g., a single type of fiber) for the workwear construction.
The Rise of Mono-Material Construction
Waterproof garments have traditionally used a layering system in which multiple layers of different materials are combined using adhesives. As a result, they become nearly impossible to recycle. Mono-material construction allows for the use of a single material, for example polyester, throughout the entire garment. This includes the outermost layer of the garment, the membrane if there is one, and even the adhesives. It is a simple construction allow for the recyclability of the garment at the end of its useful life
Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials
Using sustainable waterproof workwear materials in waterproof workwear is vital if you are looking to lessen the environmental burden of your business. Many of the big manufacturers now use Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled polyester. This fabric is made from post-consumer waste such as plastic bottles, therefore, it decreases the demand for new (or virgin) plastics. Some of the workwear also uses PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes which are bluesign® approved. These finishes are safer for the environment and for the workers that make the clothing.
Certifications and Standards to Look For
Sustainable waterproof workwear needs to have sustainability certifications. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certifies that a particular product contains a specified percentage of recycled material. The bluesign® approval system certifies that manufacturers utilize sustainable raw materials and energy, and also that they operate in compliance with worldwide labor standards. EN ISO 20471 certification attests to the compliance of a high visibility product with the requirements of European Standard EN 343 for protection against weather, and also the requirements of European Standard EN ISO 20471 on high visibility. These certifications indicate that sustainable waterproof workwear has been designed to meet the general sustainability demands of the workwear industry.
High-Performance Sustainable Waterproof Jackets
A good waterproof jacket is essential for any job that takes you outside. New, more sustainable waterproof workwear workwear jackets have added benefits. Some of the notable benefits are added movement flexibility, waterproof zippers, improved pocket systems, and storm flaps. When taking into consideration bulk, these additions can actually increase the breathability of a workwear jacket more than 21,000gm². You can find high-quality waterproof workwear jackets with many of these advanced features.
Innovative Sustainable Waterproof Pants
They can’t be the only protecting part of your outfit. You don’t have to choose between comfort and protection from water when looking for sustainable pants. Look for pants that use ripstop fabric to add durability to your pants, while also adding some water resistance. Some of the pants use Durable PFC free water-repellent finishes. These pants are designed to provide multiple pockets to store tools or other pieces of equipment. For full protection, explore options like waterproof workwear pants that combine performance with sustainability.
The Importance of Durability in Sustainable Workwear
The durability of sustainable waterproof workwear display the importance of durability in sustainable waterproof workwear. Durability in sustainability is a balancing act.Waterproof workwear features a durable outermost layer made primarily of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a material with a balance between flexibility, durability, and waterproofing. In addition to Polyurethane and waterproofing, workwear also features reflective tape. Highly visible reflective tape and strips are attached to personal protective equipment. These strips are of a highly visible material that reflects back light in an even distribution. When combined with other highly visible reflective materials and tape, reflective tape increases the safety of workers since the tape makes workers highly visible.
High-Visibility and Sustainability
Safety will always come first at every construction site. There are many waterproof workwear garments that are sustainably designed and will also be of high visibility. High visibility is described as being compliant to EN ISO 20471 Class 3. These garments all have bright colors and reflective tape in conjunction with sustainable materials. By using any of these garments, you will be making an ecologically safe choice, and will be visible to safety personnel. A quality high visible waterproof jacket often includes these dual benefits.
The Future of Sustainable Workwear
The future for sustainable workwear is now a reality. Innovations in waterproof workwear are now proving the use of sustainable waterproof workwear materials. We are now observing the use of circular design principles in workwear manufacturing where garments are purposely designed to be recycled at the end of their service life. The use of bio-based materials and chemical-free finishes is now increasing within the material industry. The workwear industry is now changing to a more sustainable way of workwear manufacturing.
Why Choose Sustainable Waterproof Workwear
Sustainable waterproof workwear is good for your workers and the environment. If you decide to buy workwear for the employees of your company, you will also be reducing your negative effect on the environment, and you will improve the situation or the environment. Workwear that is sustainable and good quality means that the employees of your company will remain clean and safe. If you want your company to be successful in the future, the best option for your company to improve workwear is to decide to buy uniforms that are sustainable and good quality.
Final Thoughts
The future of on-site work apparel is here with innovative waterproof, sustainable waterproof workwear. This workwear innovatively melds protection, durability, and sustainable materials. The selection of sustainable options safeguards your workers and the environment, alike. Buy workwear made with recycled materials. Choose workwear that has certifications such as GRS and bluesign. Buy durable workwear..
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainable waterproof workwear?
It is workwear that combines waterproof protection with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing. It often uses recycled fabrics, PFAS-free finishes, and mono-material construction for easier recycling.
What certifications should I look for?
Look for GRS (Global Recycled Standard) for recycled content, bluesign® for safe manufacturing, EN ISO 20471 for high visibility, and EN 343 for weather protection.
Is sustainable workwear as durable as traditional workwear?
Yes, sustainable workwear is designed for durability. It uses high-quality materials, reinforced stitching, and tough fabrics to ensure long-lasting performance.
Can I customize sustainable waterproof workwear?
Yes, many manufacturers offer customization options like logo printing and branding on sustainable workwear. This allows you to create a professional, unified team appearance.
