Towards more sustainable materials

Polyester is a great fibre for workwear thanks to its durability, strength and abrasion resistance. Polyester is a synthetic fibre generally based on fossil resources. There are also polyester fibres made from biobased resources that in some cases can be utilised in workwear.
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Recycled polyester can be produced mechanically from PET bottles or chemically from various waste materials, for example production waste from the textile industry. Fristads is using recycled polyester from both PET bottles and textile waste. That way we reduce waste, extend the lifecycle of existing resources, and lessen our reliance on virgin polyester. We secure traceability by working with certified suppliers who can present relevant certifications throughout the supply chain.

Cotton offers a combination of high comfort and great technical performance and is often blended with polyester in workwear fabrics. It can withstand high laundry temperatures with maintained strength.

Fristads is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally with Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), an organisation that promotes a holistic approach to cotton farming. BCI farmers minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices, promote water conservation and strive to protect the health of the soil as well as enhance biodiversity. BCI cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that the cotton is not physically traceable to end products, however, the farmers benefit from the demand for BCI cotton in equivalent volumes to those we ‘source.’ At Fristads we are committed to source at least 50% BCI cotton by 2030.

In some of our products, we have also replaced conventionally produced cotton with organic cotton, which is cultivated using natural processes to nurture the health of the soils and surrounding ecosystems. Organic cotton eliminates the usage of toxic fertilisers, pesticides and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).