Novotel: an apron made from recycled clothing

In conjunction with hotel chain Novotel (AccorHotels), CEPOVETT Group collected and recycled old uniforms from its Spanish and Portuguese hotels and repurposed them as restaurant aprons. The initiative generated 700 tonnes of fabric from 650kg of used textiles and recycled polyester from plastic bottles, which were converted into 400 aprons, of which 275 came in children’s sizes. “It’s a unique industrial challenge for the occupational textile sector and a step further towards eco-responsible workwear”, said Marc Jacouton, External Relations and Sustainable Development Manager at CEPOVETT Group.

As well as the environmental benefits, Novotel went one further, by incorporating an educational aspect. The aprons, as well as learning material such as colouring books explaining the manufacturing process and pencils were distributed to younger hotel guests to raise awareness about recycling and the environment.