Introduction: This project will deliver a pilot programme to assess the opportunities for National Grid to close the loop on specific asset types, especially high volume commodity items such as site signage and demarcation and work wear. The approach is potentially applicable to a range of asset types but this pilot will focus on the high volumes of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear to establish the principles and develop the underlying processes before considering other asset types. The pilot will deliver a well researched programme to enable National Grid to become the first zero waste, and then in a phased approach, closed loop user of work wear and PPE, through a partnership approach built between our suppliers, National Grid and pioneers in this area, Worn Again.

Objectives: Closed loop approaches aim to build cycles of use and re-use for assets and materials, maintaining the value of the materials and eliminating waste. It is a route to drive efficiency in cost and resource use and minimise environmental impacts through elimination of waste.

Worn Again are pioneers in the field of textile recycling, upcycling and embedding closed loop approaches in uniform workwear. They have led projects including the up-cycling of Eurostar and Post Office uniforms into bags and other equipment and have successfully driven zero waste practices into the handling of end-of-life garments. Working with MacDonalds they will introduce the world’s first closed loop uniform items from mid-2012.