Cintas Eco-Apparel Uses 15 Million Plastic Bottles

Cintas Corporation says it has helped eliminate more than 15 million plastic bottles from the waste stream by reuing plastic waste in its eco-apparel product line, and saved 8.5 million trees through document shredding services.

The company, which manufactures corporate uniforms, entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products and more, says it has also reduced water use, packaging and chemical waste through its facility services. These efforts are a part of the company’s ongoing green initiatives.

In 2011, Cintas’ eco-apparel, made from recycled polyester fiber, allowed it to repurpose 16.9-ounce plastic bottles into sustainable tops, bottoms and scrubs, and washable tuxedos. These products limit the amount of water and energy consumed while preserving natural resources. For example, the Regeneration suiting collection from Cintas diverts about 25 plastic bottles from the waste stream with the construction of each suit, the company says.

Manufacturing products made from recycled plastic require 66 percent less energy, Cintas says, citing the EPA. It also reduces water use by 90 percent and helps eliminate harmful carbon emissions. Plus, many of the suiting options can also be laundered at home to limit the need for harsh dry cleaning chemicals.

Cintas’ document shredding services recycled more than 330,000 tons of paper. For each ton of paper recycled, 26 trees are saved, the company said. Additionally, by diverting this paper from landfills, the greenhouse gas emissions savings equate to removing more than 180,000 cars from roadways for one year.

Cintas’ Signet Cleaning Chemical Service reduces water use, packaging and chemical waste through a mounted chemical dispensing unit. In addition, the company says many of its cleaning chemicals are Green Seal certified for meeting the highest standards of environmental quality and performance.

Also in 2011, Cintas began using Advantage IQ’s energy management products and its greenhouse gas-reporting tool to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.