General Recycled, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is teaming up with Kuala Lumpur-based workwear supplier Doite to establish a closed-loop recycling program for flame-resistant (FR) workwear garments in Malaysia and the surrounding region. The initiative focuses on recycling used non-biodegradable industrial garments, particularly those used in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, LNG, and engineering.

Doite, a specialist in industrial workwear and PPE, supplies protective gear primarily to the oil and gas sectors. General Recycled, established in 2012, brings its expertise in recycling flame-resistant garments into the partnership. The company has successfully created a closed-loop system in Canada that transforms used garments into fibers, yarns, and certified FR fabrics through collaborations with value chain partners.

Para-aramid fibers, extensively used in workwear, are a key focus of this program. Known for being 5-6 times stronger than steel and inherently flame-resistant, these fibers are non-degradable and cannot be incinerated. Without recycling, they typically end up in landfills. In Canada, General Recycled works with end-users and garment manufacturers to collect end-of-life garments and waste, ensuring that these valuable fibers are reintegrated into the manufacturing cycle.

The partnership with Doite will replicate this model in Malaysia, providing circularity solutions for FR workwear in Asia. “We are very pleased to be working with General Recycled to offer a closed-loop recycling option for our customers using flame-resistant non-biodegradable garments,” said Doite CEO Baharudin Bahari.

Ted Parker, CEO of General Recycled, added, “Circularity needs to be the end goal for all companies using aramid and aramid blends in their FR garment programs. We are excited to collaborate with Doite to establish an aramid recycling facility in the region, servicing customers across Asia.”