Materials

We carefully choose the materials and fabrics for our workwear based on the performance, durability and environmental impact of the finished garment.

We are exchanging the materials in our collections for more sustainable alternatives on an ongoing basis, for example by swapping regular cotton for organic cotton or regular polyester for recycled polyester. We have also developed customised, more sustainable collections for several of our larger customers. To ensure that the materials live up to our quality requirements and retain their durability they go through rigorous testing, both in our lab and through wearer and industrial wash trials.

Polyester​​​​​​​

Polyester is a great fibre for workwear thanks to its durability, strength and abrasion resistance. Polyester is a synthetic fibre generally based on fossil resources. There are also polyester fibres made from biobased resources that in some cases can be utilised in workwear.​​​​​​​
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Recycled polyester can be produced mechanically from PET bottles or chemically from various waste materials, for example production waste from the textile industry. We secure traceability for all recycled material via the GRS (Global Recycled Standard).

Very durable
Strong material
Good abrasion properties
High launderability
​​​​​​​Colourfastness  

Based on fossil resources
​​​​​​​Releases microplastics

Cotton​​​​​​​

Cotton offers a combination of high comfort and great technical performance and is often blended with polyester in workwear fabrics. It can withstand high laundry temperatures with maintained strength.

Organic cotton and cotton grown according to the principles of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) are two alternatives that reduce the environmental impact of conventional cotton cultivation.

Better Cotton Initiative
BCI farmers minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices, promote water conservation and strive to protect the health of the soil as well as enhance biodiversity.

Organic cotton
Organic cotton cultivation uses natural processes to nurture the health of the soils and surrounding ecosystems. It eliminates the usage of toxic fertilizers, pesticides and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

Natural fibre
Offers high comfort
High technical performance
Good moisture absorption
High launderability

High water consumption
Widespread pesticide use
Difficult to recycle
Extensive land use

Modacrylic

Modacrylic is a modified version of the more commonly known fibre acrylic. It is a soft and very comfortable fabric that is used in workwear for its built-in flame-resistant properties.​​​​​​​

Polyamide

Polyamide is a synthetic fibre with high abrasion resistance that can increase the longevity of a product. Also known as nylon, it is used in high-performance fibres such as Kevlar® and Cordura®.  ​​​​​​​

Microplastics

Microplastics are synthetic, water-insoluble polymer items shorter than 5 mm that can be toxic to the aquatic environment. Fristads products should not contain any toxic substances, but we are monitoring research on microplastics to keep up with the latest advances.​​​​​​​

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