Bunnings supports a circular textile economy through design and stewardship
Bunnings is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and supporting recycling solutions for products which are complex to manage at end-of-life.
Bunnings recognises the role of business to support a circular economy through considered design which incorporates circular principles.
In February 2024 Bunnings updated its team member uniform range, which incorporates adjustments to reduce its environmental impact. The design changes decrease the total plastic packaging required across the range, incorporates fabrics made from recycled content and eliminates unnecessary trims and garment labels.
Through these changes, the Bunnings uniform range will support increased demand for recycled fabric and reduce waste sent to landfill. Together with its uniform supplier, the range will use third-party certification to ensure the traceability and source of the recycled materials.
The updated uniform changes apply to Bunnings’ Reds and High Visibility (Hi-Vis) uniform range worn by team members across Australia and New Zealand, including polo shirts, vests, jumpers, aprons, scarves and gloves.
This uniform re-design initiative complements Bunnings’ existing uniform recycling program which launched in the previous financial year, by helping to consider the broader lifecycle of its range. Together with its recycling partner, returned, worn-out uniforms are recycled in Australia into new items such as acoustic panels, furniture cushioning, pet beds and more. Since the program launched in September 2022, over 30 tonnes of worn-out team member uniforms have been recycled.