From workwear to wonder: Giving old garments a new life in China
When 1,871 Lindström work uniforms in China reached the end of their first life, they could have gone to landfill. Instead, they began a new journey, transformed into stylish women’s crossbody bags and other unique creations.
In partnership with the Ensan National Cultural Communication Centre, we turned discarded textiles into opportunity. Through the Accessible Intangible Cultural Heritage Project and the Rural Revitalisation Project, we gave fabrics a second life and opened new possibilities for disabled people in the community.
To better implement our company’s 2030 sustainability strategy, we’ve been constantly exploring ways to turn waste textiles into valuable resources. Through the resources introduced by our Managing Director, Dennis Chan, we started this project with Ensan Culture, driven by a shared sense of social responsibility.
Adam Liu, Purchase Manager at Lindström China.
Crafting opportunity, stitch by stitch
In the hands of skilled artisans, our workwear became something entirely new. Some of these makers cannot hear the world around them, while others use wheelchairs. Yet through this project, they found a way to share their skills, preserve cultural heritage, and earn an income.
The Accessible Intangible Cultural Heritage initiative opens the world of traditional craftsmanship to people with disabilities. Recognised by the Shanghai Municipal Government as a public welfare brand, it blends heritage preservation with modern sustainability, showing how creativity and care can make a difference far beyond the workshop.
So far, five of our business units have purchased these bags as business gifts for our valuable clients, and we believe that more and more clients will learn about and appreciate this cross-industry cooperation, and give a thumbs-up to Lindström’s continuous efforts in sustainable development!
Adam Liu, Purchase Manager at Lindström China.
A story in every bag
Each bag carries a discreet label with the Lindström logo and the Recycled Material Certification icon. This small detail quietly tells its story: the fabric once served as a protective work uniform, supporting someone through their daily tasks. Now, it has been given a new role, crafted with care into a stylish, functional accessory.
Open the bag and you will find something even more personal: a handwritten card from its maker. These messages are often simple but heartfelt, sharing thanks, wishes, or a glimpse into the life of the person behind the craft. For the customer, it is a reminder that their purchase supports not only sustainability but also real people whose skills and stories might otherwise go unheard.
In this way, each bag is more than just an item. It is a connection between maker and owner, past and present, utility and beauty, something no ESG report or statistic could ever fully capture.
Impact beyond the workshop
This initiative is part of Lindström’s wider sustainability commitment. We have achieved 100% recycling of discarded textiles, use electric delivery vehicles, and run on green energy to cut carbon emissions. Our progress has been recognised internationally with the EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing us in the top 1% of more than 130,000 companies worldwide.
A win for people, planet and customers
The collaboration delivers benefits that reach far and wide:
- Environment – keeps textiles out of landfill and reduces carbon emissions.
- Community – creates meaningful work and income for people facing barriers to employment.
- Culture – preserves and shares traditional skills with a new generation.
- Customers – offers unique, sustainable gifts that carry a powerful story.
By giving old garments a second life in this way, we show that sustainability is not just about numbers, it is about people, heritage and creativity. When these come together, everyone wins.
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