Insights into our sustainability work
At Tranemo, sustainability is not just a goal, it's a commitment woven into every step of our production and innovation processes. From phasing out harmful substances to advancing circular practices and extending garment life, our focus is on creating safer, more responsible workwear. Nieke Sarink, Sustainability Manager at Tranemo, responds to five questions that highlight key areas of our ongoing sustainability efforts and how we are turning ambition into action.
1. Tranemo is working hard to phase out PFAS on workwear where it is not essential. How is this transition progressing?
It has been an interesting journey, and we have learned a lot along the way. We are currently working on phasing out PFAS in the last of our workwear fabrics. Before transitioning to a PFAS-free fabric, we conduct extensive testing to ensure quality. Once the final round of testing is successfully completed, Tranemo will only purchase PFAS-free fabrics. The exception is the fabric for our APEX chemical range, which protects the user against oil, o-xylene and butanol. We will have a mixed stock for some time.
2. Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certifies that workwear is free from harmful substances. For Tranemo this certification is very important. Are all Tranemo workwear products Oeko-Tex® certified?
We are continuously adding more styles to our Oeko-tex certificate. We have a close dialogue with our suppliers to get all fabrics and trims certified. As of now all stock items are Oeko-tex standard 100 class 2 (some with PPE) certified.
3. Tranemo is a participant in the EU-founded Life Cirtechtex project aimed at implementing circular economy processes to reduce textile waste in the production of personal protective equipment (LIFE22-ENV-ES-LIFE-CIRTECHTEX). What is the status of the project?
We are entering year three of the project. I will get a more detailed status update at our annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain on 1st October. The project focuses on reducing both pre and post-consumer textile waste. We are actively sending fabric waste from our factory in Bulgaria back to the weaver to create new fabrics. Additionally, we are also improving the collection of used garments from our customers. However, it has proven challenging to gather enough material.
4. High-quality, durable workwear is crucial for sustainability. Why is garment longevity so important, and what measures does Tranemo take to ensure it?
The most environmentally friendly garment is the one that was never produced. The second best is the one that lasts. Extending the life of a garment is one of the most effective ways to reduce its environmental impact. Fewer garments produced means fewer resources consumed, less waste generated and a smaller carbon footprint overall. At Tranemo, we believe that durability is the foundation of sustainability. That’s why we design our workwear to withstand the toughest conditions and the test of time.
Here’s how we ensure long-lasting quality:
Rigorous material testing: Every fabric and reflective material are tested before production begins, to ensure it meets our high standards for durability and performance.
Thoughtful design: Our patterns are developed with comfort, fit and resilience in mind. We reinforce garment parts that are prone to wear and tear to extend the garment’s life.
Repairability: We aim to design garments that can be repaired when needed. Replacing a zipper on an otherwise intact garment is often more environmentally responsible than replacing the entire item, even if it’s not always the most economical choice.
Commitment to repairs: Our goal is to repair all product claims whenever possible, helping to keep garments in use for longer.
Continuous improvement: We monitor how our products perform in the field. If a garment doesn’t meet our expectations, we update the design to ensure it lives up to the Tranemo standard.
Wearer trials: Real-life testing gives us valuable insights into how our garments perform over time. These trials help us refine our materials and construction methods to achieve the durability our customers rely on.
By focusing on quality and longevity, we protect workers, and we help protect the planet.
"The most environmentally friendly garment is the one that was never produced. In second place is the garment that lasts."
5. Aside from the projects mentioned above, what is Tranemo currently focussing on?
Our main focus is on the upcoming EU reporting standards, including the implementation of the CSRD and other relevant EU legislations.
>> Learn more about sustainability at Tranemo Advanced Workwear