Alsico Group, a global leader in high-performance protective workwear, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Sixone. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
As Europe’s first large-scale manufacturer to partner with Sixone, alsico is set to redefine circularity in the workwear industry. Under the banner of our alsico academy’s ARX Initiative — a key component of our global recycling and garment lifespan extending program — this collaboration is focused on transforming end-of-use alsico workwear into high-quality circular polyester chips. By recycling our performance fabrics that are collected at our very own ARX garment collection facility, critical to the superior performance of our garments, we are closing the loop on waste and setting a new standard for environmental responsibility within the industry.
Sixone addresses the data gap that makes recycling of post-consumer textiles a challenge. Sixone analyzes the molecular composition of textiles to determine the ideal recycling conditions for surgically and efficiently extracting pure polyester. This approach looks beyond fiber and color, and allows Sixone to process chemically complex polyester-blends.
Sixone’s expertise in converting post-consumer whole garments into circular polyester complements alsico’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. This initiative ensures that alsico’s end-of-life workwear is repurposed into new, high-quality materials. It reinforces alsico’s position as a global leader in workwear innovation and demonstrates our commitment and passion for innovating sustainable practices across our entire production chain.
The partnership has already seen a successful recycling pilot through which Sixone has demonstrated the recyclability of alsico end-of-life garments. The recycled polyester chips from Sixone’s targeted recycling process have been used to produce fabric with our partner manufacturers, and are being analyzed for quality and durability, including heavy industry washing and wear-testing. Once testing is complete, alsico plans to produce recycled and recyclable, closed loop garments with Sixone circular polyester.
Alsico Group and Sixone are excited to drive forward this initiative, setting a transformative example for the industry. This partnership underscores the potential of collaborative innovation in achieving a more sustainable future for both our customers and the planet.