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Managed workwear services could provide a blueprint for building a more circular textile industry, with providers extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to a new report from Textiles Intelligence.
The 14-page report, Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game, highlights how European companies have shifted from simply supplying garments to managing them throughout their entire working lives.
Companies retain ownership of workwear, taking responsibility for tracking, laundering, repairs, replacement and eventual recycling. This creates an incentive to maximise garment longevity, with workwear designed to withstand hundreds of industrial washing cycles while remaining comfortable, compliant and easy to repair.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role, with RFID, automated sorting and digital inventory systems enabling garments to be tracked throughout their service lives. This helps providers maximise usage, reduce operating costs and minimise environmental impact.
The report highlights companies including Alsico, CWS Workwear, Elis, Fristads, Lindström, Mascot and Mewa as examples of the model in action.
Textiles Intelligence says managed workwear demonstrates that circularity can operate at commercial scale, with garment ownership creating strong incentives to prioritise durability, repair and material recovery.
While the model may not translate directly to every apparel sector, the report suggests it offers valuable lessons for the wider industry as it seeks practical routes towards circularity.
