Subway launches new uniforms made from recycled bottles

Subway has announced the launch of a new uniform for employees which is made from recycled plastic bottles and set to be rolled out in branches in the UK, Ireland and across Europe.

The new uniform line consists of a t-shirt, polo shirt, half and full apron, cap, and bandana, which use fabric that has been especially woven into a polyester blend that uses recycled plastic bottles and BCI cotton in the t-shirt and polo shirt. 

Subway has been working on the uniforms for the last 18 months, and has come up with the best way to create attractive and easy to wear apparel and sourcing plastic bottles that would have otherwise gone to waste. 

In line with the brand’s commitment to building a better and more sustainable business, the uniforms have been designed to last longer. During trials, 70% of Subway’s franchisees and employees rated them positively for comfort and durability.

In addition, the chain will also work with textile recycling experts Avena Group to collect and process the old uniforms, which will be replaced during this transition. Avena Group will process the textiles from the old uniforms into a new material for reuse across industries such as automotive and construction.

The news comes shortly after the fast food chain launched its biggest menu redesign in its 58-year history with ‘Subway Series’.

According to the group, the fresh new look and feel of the uniforms will complement its on-going national rollout of the “Fresh Forward” restaurant design. 

Louise Wardle, VP of marketing EMEA at Subway, said: “As we continue this journey towards building a better Subway, it’s incredibly important that we look at all areas of our business where we can make a positive impact. 

“The new uniforms, made from recycled plastic bottles, is what we believe is a first for a high street restaurant brand and reflects our ongoing commitment to improving how we do business. This is still only the beginning, and we hope to make further progress in the years ahead.”