Safeguard Technical Textiles
The Company
Safeguard Technical Textiles, based in L’derry, manufacture and supply equipment for the workwear industry.
They were referred to the IS Service by another member, River Ridge Recycling to find reuse options for surplus inventory.
The Challenge
They had a large quantity of thermal protective aids used in life rafts to keep people warm while awaiting rescue.
Due to the large quantity, several solution providers were required. In agreement with Safeguard Technical Textiles, the practitioner researched the refugee and homeless sectors, as their preference was a reuse option in this sector advising that the thermal protective aids can also be used as emergency sleeping bags
The Solution
After introductions to quite a few social enterprises and charitable organisations, 5 groups agreed to accept the thermal protective aids for various local and international outreach activities to support homeless and displaced persons for use as emergency sleeping bags.
These various solution providers highlight the socio-economic benefits of repurposing, rather than disposing of surplus stock in order to provide valued resources to people in crisis situations.
CO2 Reduction: 91 tonnes
Landfill Diversion: 7 tonnes
Virgin Material Saved: 7 tonnes
The Benefits
Safeguard Technical Textiles fulfil their Duty of Care requirements in moving redundant materials up the Waste Hierarchy, avoids considerable impact on the environment and supports their Corporate Social Responsibility through the 5 charitable groups.
The organisations that were able to use the resources in their various projects were Heartship, The Salvation Army, Helping Hands, Extern and The Welcome Organisation.
The Industrial Symbiosis Service is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered by International Synergies NI Ltd
