Many everyday objects can often find a useful second life when we no longer use them. Moreover, car manufacturers, in their desire to be more “green”, will increasingly integrate recycled materials on board their vehicles. that’s why Honda recycles old uniforms by turning them into insulation.
Save and recycle
The terms savings and recycling apply perfectly to this news. Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer Honda announced this week that it is recycling its old uniforms into insulation for new Honda and Acura vehicles. By using this process, the manufacturer is able to avoid waste and give a second life to these work clothes. Thus, the builder also realizes monetary savings since he does not need to use 100% new materials for his insulating panels.
At this time, only Honda facilities in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio are recycling the uniforms for reuse in five different pieces of insulation for its North American-made vehicles. The manufacturer plans to expand the uniform recycling program to other North American facilities. Approximately 45,000 pounds of uniforms are recycled each month instead of ending up in the garbage. In fact, the uniform recycling program, initially launched in 2021, has recovered 380,000 pounds of fabric so far.
A good preparation
Before finishing by isolating, the uniforms go through a process in a few steps. First, they are first cleaned and sent for control. If they are undamaged, they are returned to employees who will continue to wear them. Those who will no longer be compliant for the job will be sent to the company Leigh Fibers. Once there, the zippers and buttons are removed and the uniforms are sent for shredding. Once shredded, the fibers are mixed with various materials so that they can be transformed into pieces of insulation and installed on board vehicles.
The approach called “Triple Action to Zero” aims to use 100% sustainable products in vehicles in the future. Moreover, from 2050, Honda plans to use 100% sustainable materials in the manufacture of its vehicles.
