Neste puts sustainability front and centre in workwear management

A company with an ambitious sustainability vision must integrate sustainability into every process. Through a centralised, efficient and flexible workwear management process, Neste aims to cut the amount of workwear in circulation by 40%.

Towards climate goals, one garment at a time

Neste is a Finland-based company that refines waste, residues and other raw materials into renewable fuels and circular raw materials. For a company with an ambitious sustainability vision, it’s only fitting that its workwear management follows the same sustainable path.

Neste wanted to develop its workwear-related processes, and in 2023, the company chose Lindström as its partner to deliver streamlined and sustainable workwear management services.

“We specifically evaluated Lindström’s commitment to circular economy practices and the lifecycle management of workwear. Their services support our goal of minimising the environmental impact of our operations,” explains Tuomas Halonen, Development Manager, Sustainable Procurement at Neste.

With a centralised process that adapts to demand changes, plus resource-efficient laundry and repair services, Neste aims to reduce garments in circulation by an impressive 40%.

We specifically evaluated Lindström’s commitment to circular economy practices and the lifecycle management of workwear. Their services support our goal of minimising the environmental impact of our operations.

TUOMAS HALONEN,
Development Manager, Sustainable Procurement, Neste

Sustainability-driven collaboration

Neste, often ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies, has set ambitious sustainability commitments. It aims for a carbon neutral and nature positive value chain by 2040. To meet these targets, collaboration with committed partners is essential.

“Sustainability is deeply integrated into Neste’s operations, including partnership and contractual practices. We not only require our partners to operate more responsibly but also actively strive to improve sustainability practices ourselves,” Halonen explains.

Sustainability is at the heart of Neste and Lindström’s collaboration. The framework agreement outlines sustainability goals and metrics. A joint steering group between Neste, Lindström and the workwear supplier monitors the partnership’s progress and ensures these goals are achieved.

Inari Laveri, Climate and Compliance Manager at Lindström is the company’s representative in the steering group. She describes this holistic approach as a new and exciting way to incorporate sustainability into everyday business.

“Our sustainability work with Neste is based on discussion and collaboration. We assess what has been done, decide on further developments and track progress. It’s a continuous learning process that benefits everyone.”

Clean and safe workwear for a fluctuating workforce

Providing clean and safe workwear for Neste’s thousands of employees requires careful orchestration. Lindström now delivers washed and repaired garments to 12 locations within Neste’s Porvoo and Naantali sites.

A key challenge is that workforce numbers—and thus the demand for clean workwear—fluctuate across sites and throughout the year. Leveraging data and smart systems ensures there is always enough clean and safe workwear suitable for the weather and tasks at hand.

Additionally, many Neste employees visit sites only a few times per year. Providing personal garments for all of them would be a waste of both money and natural resources, explains Jyrki Heinonen, Senior Manager, Sales, at Lindström.

“To meet fluctuations in demand, we also set up three Workwear Flex rooms. Employees can pick up the appropriate garments from the smart warehouse and drop them off when they leave.”

Lindström collects used workwear from the sites and transports it to its industrial laundries. Centralised washing improves water efficiency, while repairs extend the lifespan of each item. Once garments reach the end of their lifecycle, Lindström ensures they are recycled responsibly.

Efficient washing and repairing are not only better for the environment but also crucial for ensuring occupational safety, Heinonen explains.

“In professional hands, all safety features can be checked every time a garment passes through one of our laundries.”

Commitment to sustainability runs both ways

Neste’s Halonen shares that the company has been pleased with its partnership with Lindström. They highly value flexibility and eagerness to improve sustainability practices.

“Our collaboration with Lindström has enhanced our workwear management and streamlined practical aspects, including logistics and availability while ensuring compliance with safety requirements.”

Commitment to sustainability runs both ways, as Halonen points out.

“We are delighted that Lindström has introduced Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ in a part of their fleet for transports in Finland. Using our fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90%* on the average, over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to fossil diesel.”

*The calculation methods for lifecycle emissions and emission reductions comply with the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (2018/2001/EU).

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