Middle: S&H General Manager, Steven Kulibaba. Far right: Sonia Konstantinou, Partnerships Director of Upparel.
At Stewart & Heaton, innovation doesn’t stop at the design stage — it continues right through to end-of-life. That’s why we’ve partnered with Upparel, Australia’s leading textile recovery and recycling company, to transform the way we dispose of retired uniforms and protective garments.
Tackling a Growing Challenge
With millions of garments supplied to frontline services across Australia, we recognised the urgent need for a sustainable disposal pathway. Traditional methods — such as landfill or incineration — no longer align with our values or those of our customers. Protective garments often contain specialised materials that are difficult to recycle. The challenge was clear: find a secure, environmentally responsible alternative.
The Solution: Responsible Recycling with Upparel
Our collaboration with Upparel has established a comprehensive recovery and recycling program focused on:
- Textile collection and secure disposal
- De-branding of emergency service uniforms
- Assessing garments for reuse, repurposing, or recycling
- Supporting circular economy outcomes and ethical disposal practices
What We’ve Achieved So Far
Between November 2024 and March 2025, we redirected nearly 9 tonnes of retired garments from landfill to Upparel’s recycling facilities. Thousands of uniforms from fire and emergency service agencies in South Australia and Victoria have already been processed — garments that would otherwise have been incinerated are now given a second life.
Our Garments, a Natural Fit for UPtex
Through this partnership, S&H’s flame-resistant garments are being given a second life as part of Upparel’s innovative UPtex product — a durable, weather-resistant material made entirely from recovered textiles.
Due to their inherent strength and flame-retardant properties, our firefighting garments are particularly well-suited for conversion into UPtex, which is used in:
- Flame-resistant insulation
- Rigid panels for office dividers, packaging, and billboards
- Acoustic panelling and eco-conscious signage
UPtex is fully recyclable, compatible with sustainable printing methods, and designed to support circularity — making it a smart solution for repurposing specialised protective workwear.
Why It Matters
This initiative isn’t just about waste diversion — it’s about leading change in an industry that’s ready for it. Key benefits include:
- Significant reduction in textile waste
- Secure processing of high-visibility and emergency uniforms
- Lower environmental impact through reduced emissions and landfill
- Support for Australian recycling industries and circular innovation
What’s Next?
We’re just getting started. Stewart & Heaton is committed to expanding our circular economy efforts across additional product lines and industries. Together with Upparel, we’re showing that it’s possible — and essential — to build sustainability into every step of a garment’s lifecycle.
Because when the job is done, the impact doesn’t have to be.
