Published by: TRu Brands, 2/9/2025 8:49 AM
In Australia’s construction and mining industries, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is indispensable for safety, but its disposal poses a significant environmental challenge. Safe Work Australia reports that these sectors generate substantial waste, with PPE contributing to landfill pollution and resource loss. End-of-life (EOL) solutions are critical to close the loop, and The PPE Group’s 360processed program - partnering with Upparel - provides a comprehensive recycling pathway. This initiative diverts PPE from landfills, upcycles materials, and offers transparent reporting, ensuring a sustainable afterlife for gear. Discover how 360processed addresses EOL issues and why it’s essential for sustainability managers.
The EOL Challenge in PPE Disposal
Construction and mining produce high volumes of PPE waste, from worn-out gloves to discarded workwear. The National Waste Report 2024 indicates that Australia recycles only 66% of waste, with PPE often ending up in landfills due to complex materials like synthetics and composites. This exacerbates carbon emissions and resource depletion. Regulations under the National Plastics Plan 2021 urge industries to improve recycling, but without structured programs, compliance is tough. Sustainability managers face scrutiny for ESG reporting, making EOL solutions vital to reduce environmental impact and demonstrate circular economy practices. The PPE Group aligns with the SDGs set out by the UNGC to ensure they are at the forefront of sustainable solutions in the industry.
How 360processed Provides Sustainable EOL Solutions
The PPE Group’s 360processed program is a turnkey service designed for Australian industries, recycling PPE waste streams locally to minimise carbon footprints.
Program Overview and Process
Businesses register via QR code or email 360processed@theppegroup.com.au, receiving a tailored plan based on PPE consumption. Waste is collected in streams like hand protection, eyewear, and FR workwear, then transported to Upparel’s Melbourne facility. There, items are sorted, recycled into raw materials, or upcycled into products like Uptex for the construction industry. Sensitive branded items are securely destroyed in a live-streamed facility. Quarterly reports detail carbon savings, ensuring traceability.
Collection and Pricing Flexibility
Options suit all scales: BoxUP (12 boxes, ~200kg total) for smaller sites with a simple $1250+gst price, or skip bins for large projects. Per-kilo rates apply for bulk returns, making it accessible for mining operations with high PPE turnover.
Benefits for Construction and Mining
- Waste Diversion: Keeps PPE out of landfills, creating a circular solution.
- Local Processing: All recycling occurs in Australia, reducing transport emissions - unlike overseas shipping.
- Expanded Streams: Covers Force360 range excluding respiratory and hearing protection, TRu Workwear, Graphex, and Bool PT, with plans to include more stream types.
- Sustainability Impact: So far since the launch of the program The PPE Group has saved over 500kg of waste from landfill.
Research from RMIT University has seen positive effects from using PPE waste products to strengthen construction materials, like asphalt, highlighting upcycling potential in these industries.
Why Choose 360processed from The PPE Group?
This program integrates with our brands, offering a full lifecycle solution. Sustainability managers benefit from:
- Enhanced ESG Compliance: Transparent reporting supports Australian regulations.
- Cost-Effective Recycling: Reduces disposal fees and promotes resource efficiency.
- Industry-Specific Support: Tailored for high-waste sectors.
Implement sustainable EOL practices with 360processed. To explore the PPE range, contact us today.
