Why renting food uniforms is better – sustainability and efficiency

If you have ever worked in a food production line, you know how important correct uniforms are. Yes, they improve the hygiene and safety, but they are also part of how you operate as a responsible business. Uniforms are part of our frontline defence against contamination. They help us meet the highest food safety standards every day. But there’s another side to this conversation that’s gaining urgency: waste.

For years, traditional approaches to managing workwear: single-use garments, overordering, and inconsistent disposal, have quietly contributed to a much bigger problem. The environmental footprint of uniform waste is no longer something we can ignore, especially as we push for stronger sustainability across our value chain.

What is great, is that there’s a better way. By shifting towards more sustainable uniform practices, companies can not only reduce waste, but also drive efficiency, cut costs, and support our ESG targets. Why does renting food uniforms make sense for sustainability and efficiency?

The waste problem in food uniforms

Many in the food industry rely on uniforms to maintain hygiene across production areas. But when garments are discarded too frequently, poorly managed, or made from unsustainable materials, they become part of the problem. It’s clear that reducing textile waste needs to be part of our sustainability strategy.

That’s why we’ve started rethinking the design and lifecycle of our uniforms. We’re focusing on durability from the start. At Lindström, each workwear garment is made to order in our own ProDem facilities located in India, Hungary, or Latvia. Our workwear feature reinforced stitching and quality fabrics that extend the usable life of each garment. We also make them easy to repair with functional designs.

By renting you don’t waste time replacing and repairing

Why are more and more companies choosing to outsource workwear uniforms? The simple answer is that they do not want to spend time on things that don’t belong to their core business, such as textiles. That’s why partners like Lindström exist.

With us, you loose the need for large upfront investment for employee uniforms and PPE. In addition to that, we also care for the maintenance of workwear through the full garment lifecycle: we wash, repair, maintain and dispose of textiles when needed. You will just enjoy an ongoing service cycle, with clean uniforms on hand at all times.

You’ll enjoy:

• Cost savings: Renting food uniforms can be more cost-effective than purchasing, as it includes laundering and maintenance services. The time spent caring for textiles can be allocated elsewhere.
• Sustainability: Reusing and repairing uniforms reduces the need for new garment production, thereby conserving resources.
• Compliance: Rental services from Lindström ensure uniforms meet industry standards, such as HACCP and ISO 22000.

By partnering with a reliable uniform rental provider, companies can ensure their workforce is equipped with clean, safe, and compliant workwear while meeting circular economy targets. Incorporating technology, such as RFID tracking, can further improve uniform management by providing valuable insights into garment usage and maintenance needs. This is something Lindström offers in all textile services.

What to consider when choosing a workwear uniform partner

Selecting the right uniform provider is crucial for businesses looking to implement sustainable practices. Key considerations include:

• Sustainability credentials: Ensure the provider uses eco-friendly materials and practices. For example, Lindström received the EcoVadis Platinum certificate in 2024, placing us among the top 1% of companies when it comes to sustainability.
• Range of services: Look for providers offering comprehensive services, including rental, laundering, and repair. Make sure they serve your business locations. Lindström India happily meets your needs across the whole country.
• Customer support: Choose a provider with excellent customer service and a track record of reliability. Meet some of our existing customers at Lindström in our testimonials section.

At Lindström, we offer a sustainable workwear solution designed to meet the unique needs of the food industry. Our services ensure that employees always have access to clean, safe, and properly maintained uniforms, supporting your sustainability goals while enhancing operational efficiency.

Hygienically clean workwear

Compliant textiles for all food employees – always on hand when you need them.

Workwear service