Resource Use

Management Approach

Scope

The production of protective textiles for personal protective equipment (PPE) relies on key inputs including fibers, chemicals, water, and energy. As textile manufacturer with both in-house and outsourced means of production, resource efficiency is embedded in daily operations through controlled chemical use, systematic monitoring of energy and water consumption, and alignment with recognized environmental certifications.

Resource efficiency is embedded in operational processes through monitoring systems, controlled chemical use, and permit-based management of water and energy. Resource-related expectations in the supply chain are addressed through our Global Supply Chain Management approach , where procurement policies and supplier requirements are defined.

Policies

TenCate Protective Fabrics applies circular economy principles primarily when possible. However, because protective fabrics must meet strict safety and performance standards, full material circularity is often technically constrained, particularly where blended materials are required.

Our objective is to reduce waste generation, limit environmental impacts, and extend product lifespan through durable design and responsible material selection.

1. Textiles and Raw Materials

Our material strategy prioritizes performance, durability, and responsible sourcing. High-performance fabrics frequently require blended constructions to meet protection standards. For this reason, extending product lifespan through fit-for-purpose design is central to resource efficiency.

We integrate more sustainable material options when technically viable. For example, our Ecogreen® collections incorporate recycled polyester derived from rPET bottles and alternatives to conventional cotton, such as TENCEL™ Lyocell or ethically sourced cotton.

Environmental performance of selected products is supported by life cycle assessments documented in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD®s).
2. Chemicals

Chemical inputs are necessary for dyeing, finishing, and performance treatments. These substances are managed through a structured chemical governance framework to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental impact.

Our chemical management approach is detailed in the Product Stewarship section.

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3. Water

Water use in dyeing and finishing processes is managed through monitoring, regulatory permits, and efficiency initiatives.

For detailed information, see Water & Marine Sources.
4. Energy

Energy consumption, particularly in wet processing and drying, is monitored and managed through efficiency programs and reduction initiatives.

For detailed information, see Energy Management.
5. Waste Management

Production waste is managed in accordance with local applicable legal requirements, with a focus on preventing waste generation where possible and recycling materials where technically and economically feasible, recognizing that effective waste management supports both environmental protection and operational efficiency.

Goals and Metrics

Company Objectives

Ensure responsible resource management across all operations by preventing waste where possible, minimizing pollution, and extending the useful life of our products through durable design and efficient processes.

Metrics

VSME code B6-38: Total annual generation of waste broken down by type and treatment

	Total waste generated (in tons)*
	Total waste generated (in tons)*
	2025
	Recovery	Disposal	Total
	Recovery	Disposal	Total
EU - Dyeing and Finishing plant - Nijverdal	1,228	353	1,580
Hazardous Waste**	1,096	305	1,401
Non-Hazardous Waste	132	48	180
Waste treatment - Recycling (%)			4%
US - Dyeing and Finishing plant - Molena		92	92
US - Weaving plant - Zebulon***		129	129
US - Yarn plant - Senoia***		130	130
US - Nonwoven plant - Senoia***		53	53
Global totals	1,228	756	1,984

*For the European operations in Nijverdal, waste data is collected and managed in line with EU waste legislation, including classification according to the European Waste Catalogue (EWC).
**The primary hazardous waste stream by volume consists of aqueous washing fluids and lyes (EWC 07 02 01). Accounting for 96% of total hazardous waste, it constitutes the main hazardous wastewater generated on site. It is managed by licensed waste disposal companies (NL-VIHB) and treated in compliance with applicable hazardous waste regulations.
***In the United States, The waste generated does not meet the EPA definition of RCRA hazardous waste; therefore, all reported waste is classified as non-hazardous.

VSME code B7-38: Resource inflow

Annual mass flow (tons) - for all operaions TenCate Protective Fabrics Global	2025
Textiles	6,431
Chemicals	5,415
Total	11,846
Biological materials (%)	24.4%
Technical materials (%)	75.6%

*The main raw materials used in the production of protective fabrics (fibres and chemicals) are included. Data is consolidated across all manufacturing sites and based on purchased quantities. This includes fibres purchased directly as well as fibre blends contained in yarns and greige fabrics—typically combinations of technical and/or biological fibres—with controls in place to avoid double counting.

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Contact information Americas

6501 Mall Blvd Union City
Union City, GA 30291
United States of America
+1 (770)969-1000

Contact information Europe
- G. van der Muelenweg 2
  P.O. Box 186
  7440 AD Nijverdal
  The Netherlands
  +31 (0)548 633 922
Contact information Asia/Australia
- 589/101 Central City Tower
  18th Fl., Debaratna Rd., North
  Bangna, Bangkok 10260
  Thailand
  +66 (0) 2-745-6544

Trend report

5 Global Trends in PPE-Clothing for the Industrial Safety Industry

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Governance

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Resource Use

Management Approach

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Scope

Policies

Goals and Metrics

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Initiatives

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Substantiating Our Claims: Ecogreen EPDs

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5 Global Trends in PPE-Clothing for the Industrial Safety Industry

Contact information Americas

5 Global Trends in PPE-Clothing for the Industrial Safety Industry