Building Engineering launches PPE Re-Thread Program in collaboration with Assembled Threads

Building Engineering has officially launched the PPE Re-Thread Program, an exciting step forward for sustainability, a pioneering initiative to reduce textile waste and support disadvantaged communities. This innovative program is part of our ongoing collaboration with Assembled Threads, a Melbourne-based social enterprise focused on creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups by providing training and employment in garment manufacturing at an ethical wage.

The PPE Re-Thread Program collects used uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) from our staff via company-wide recycling bins. These garments are then taken to Assembled Threads, who are partnered with the Textile Recyclers Australia factory in Ravenhall, where they are sorted, processed, and shredded to make new materials. In a recently released video, we provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the program works and the impact it is already making.

“By recycling uniforms and PPE, we are helping reduce textile waste which currently sees less than 1% of end-of-life uniforms being recycled,” said Rachel Richter, Building Engineering’s Head of Marketing. “By partnering with Assembled Threads, we are giving second life to used workwear and PPE.”

The collected materials are processed into fibres, which are spun into yarn ready for reuse in a range of industries. This initiative has already made a significant impact, with four full bins of work clothes collected, totalling 9.5kg. Of this, 8kg has been successfully recycled, and 2kg has been repurposed for future use.

Amy Govic, Bid Manager at Building Engineering, highlighted: “The purpose of our PPE Re-Thread Program is to divert as much textiles from landfill as possible and give it a second life.”

The program’s impact extends beyond recycling. Upcycled materials are crafted into new products at Assembled Threads’ headquarters in West Melbourne, providing job opportunities for disadvantaged groups. This collaboration has already saved over 45kg of materials from landfill, avoided more than 1,000kg of C2 emissions, and saved over 6,000kWh of energy.

“The Building Engineering PPE Re-Thread Program is making a difference, one garment at a time,” Rachel concluded. “We’re proud to collaborate with Assembled Threads to reduce waste and create opportunities for future workers.”