Karlstad municipality has initiated a new pilot project aimed at sustainable management of work clothes as part of efforts to reach climate goals. According to reports, approximately 800 work clothes will be repaired instead of being discarded.
The municipality reportedly purchased 13,000 clothing items over the past 18 months, with clothing purchases estimated to correspond to 250 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The tailoring contract has been procured with a local actor, with the purpose of creating more sustainable handling of work clothes while also extending the lifespan of existing garments.
Textiles have a very high climate footprint, we see that just looking at one kilo like a work jacket for example
"Textiles have a very high climate footprint, we see that just looking at one kilo like a work jacket for example," said a representative named Jenny in the official report. "We hope all our operations take the opportunity to inventory and see 'what clothes do we have that can be repaired.'"
The initiative is described as a pilot project that will later help specify more exact needs for sustainable clothing management in the municipality.
We hope all our operations take the opportunity to inventory and see 'what clothes do we have that can be repaired.'