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Sustainability. Everyone thinks something of it, shouts something about it and has to do something with it. And that's a good thing, because we have to take care of our planet. HKV, the total supplier of Workwear & PPE, Tools, Road Signage and Advertising & Signage, also takes sustainability seriously. "It's really in our DNA," says Joost van Welie, Sr Account Manager at HKV. "We therefore continue to develop fully in this area."
Sustainability is more than circular, according to Van Welie. "Indeed, circular clothing is a fine ambition, but at the moment technology is not yet at the point where all clothing can be easily recycled at the end of its useful life."
Perhaps the most important way to reduce environmental impact in the apparel industry is to extend its lifespan. "The longer a garment lasts, the fewer raw materials you need to use and the less often a production process needs to be initiated. Consumers and companies are also increasingly aware of this. This is why HKV now also offers companies in infra, construction, transport and logistics a new sustainable RWS clothing line." Through the use of quality raw materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, and the use of segmented striping, we now meet the standard for 50 washes. Twice as long as before, says Van Welie. "And thanks to Polygiene Stay Fresh® technology, clothing can be worn more often without washing, achieving an environmental impact reduction of 37%. In addition, we use segmented striping. Compared to stitched striping, the clothing stays intact longer if any part of the striping is damaged, so there is less wear and tear."
In addition to sustainability, HKV also has a focus on appearance and wearing comfort. "The new durable RWS clothing line has stretch panels and printed instead of stitched striping in several places at the work pants. This increases the wearer's freedom of movement, as does the adjustable elastic in the waistband. A variety of adjustments have also been made to the garments to benefit their breathability and moisture management. And with many garments, the fit has been improved or we really make a difference with small details." For example, Van Welie mentions the storm flap over the softshell's zipper and the chin protector on zippered outerwear. "A big difference is the clothing developed specifically for women. The work pants and softshell are not only functional, but are comfortable and make you look good!" At the Vakbeurs Openbare Ruimte (27 and 28 September - Jaarbeurs in Utrecht), Tricorp's new sustainable RWS clothing line will be shown by HKV. "As will the latest developments in circular black traffic cones and more sustainable harpoon poles," Van Welie concludes.
