Activities
The pilot project in partnership with the University of Minho spinoff, ToBeGreen, intended to optimize the textile waste of old vests by incorporating post-con- sumption recycled fibers into new uniforms for our postmen. This promotes a clear positive impact on the planet and our communities, as this type of waste is usually sent into landfills.
The mechanical recycling process of the fibers involves shredding, spinning, weaving, knitting, printing and, finally, the manufacturing of products of high quality. In result, the vests are made with 100% recycled cotton fibers, excepting the reflective and reinforced parts. The new vests were tested by 100 mail carriers for months in 5 CTT distribution centres across Portugal and the feedback was positive.
The success of this project led to the expansion to more distribution centers in 2024. The goal is to continue to put these recycled vests into use by the postal workers over the years, according to the needs for renewal and production capacity.
Impact
200 vests were manufactured from 1.2 tons of textile waste (almost 3000 items). This project prevented the used vests from going to landfills. It saved 2.3k m3 of water and 1.4 tons of CO2 emissions as if they were produced using either organic virgin cotton or conventional cotton.