Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the landscape. It’s also about rethinking how we use resources every day — alongside initiatives like our Bob’s Peak restoration programme.
Last year, we found ourselves with a familiar challenge: a large volume of uniforms featuring our old logo. Perfectly functional, high-quality garments, but no longer fit for purpose. Sending them to landfill didn’t sit right with us. So instead, we asked a simple question: what if we could give them a second life?
The Challenge: Rethinking Textile Waste
Uniforms are built to last – which is great for durability but challenging when something like a brand logo update happens. Without a plan, these items can easily become waste.
Textile waste is a growing global issue, and garments like jackets and hoodies often end up in landfill despite having years of wear left in them. For us, this was an opportunity to do things differently and find a creative solution.
“What we often call waste is simply value that hasn’t been reimagined yet,” says Pierre Poyet, Sustainability Lead for Skyline Queenstown. “This was about shifting perspective and acting on it. When you stop seeing waste as a problem to remove and start seeing it as a resource to rework, the outcomes change entirely.”
The Solution
To tackle this challenge, we launched a two-part upcycling initiative focused on extending the life of our uniforms. Some pieces were still in great condition, others had seen better days – so we needed two complementary solutions: one to refresh garments that were still wearable, and one to transform those that weren’t.
Repatching High-Quality Pieces
- In partnership with Impact Apparel, we gave a large portion of our uniforms a simple (& stylish) refresh!
- Around 150 garments were identified as spares, including hoodies, softshell jackets and puffer jackets.
- All garments had our old Skyline logo on the front, which no longer matched our current brand.
- A fresh “re-newed” patch was designed to bring new life and personality to each piece, whilst covering up the old logo.
- Using recycled threads, each patch was carefully embroidered, giving the uniforms a second lease of life.
- Once repatched, these refreshed garments were donated to Branches Charitable Trust, a local group that helps make sure every school kid in the region can go to the annual Branches Camp. This meant the uniforms could be used, enjoyed, and appreciated again!
Upcycling Workshop
Not every garment could be repatched – some were too worn for a simple refresh. That’s where creativity came in.
Teaming up with Tikki Studio, we ran hands-on upcycling workshops to transform worn-out uniforms into entirely new items.
A small group of locals joined, keen to learn the basics of upcycling and sewing. The workshops kicked off by cutting old uniforms into reusable pieces, then everyone got stuck into sewing them into something functional and fun.
By the end, participants had made their very own snow hoods, perfect for keeping warm on the slopes or around town during winter. Everyone left with a unique, handmade item, new skills, and a fresh appreciation for turning “old” into something special!
“Working with Skyline to upcycle old uniforms into new, wearable pieces for the Branches Trust has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity,” says Nina Chen, Instructor at Tikki Studios. “Alongside the two workshops we delivered with the community, the project has created a meaningful connection between all three parties involved.”
“Throughout the process, it became clear that Skyline genuinely cares about the sustainable end-of-life of their uniforms. More than that, they saw the potential for these materials to become a tool for community engagement here in Queenstown. I really valued being the bridge that made this collaboration possible—bringing together sustainability, creativity, and community in a tangible way.”
Working Together for Impact
This initiative has been made possible through collaboration. From Impact Apparel and Tikki Studio to Branches Charitable Trust and support from Queenstown Lakes District Council, we joined forces to reduce waste and foster creativity,
So next time you’re clearing out your wardrobe, think twice before tossing something. Could it be repaired, repatched, or reimagined? Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity – and the right partners – to give everyday items a second life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why were Skyline uniforms being repurposed?
We had a lot of uniforms with our old logo that were still in good condition. Instead of sending them to landfill, we wanted to give them a second life!
How many garments were repatched?
A total of 150 garments were refreshed, including 50 Luge hoodies, 20 softshell jackets, and 80 puffer jackets.
What is repatching?
Repatching is sewing on a new embroidered patch to refresh a garment. It can cover an old logo, a tear, or any worn area, giving the item a second life.
What happened to uniforms that couldn’t be repatched?
We transformed them through upcycling workshops, where old uniforms are turned into new items like snow hoods, giving them a completely new purpose.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling is turning old or worn-out items into something new and useful, instead of throwing them away.
Related Stories
- Restoring Bob’s Peak: Protecting Native Biodiversity
- Working Together for a Greener Queenstown