The sustainability initiative organises the repurposing of unused or unwanted crew workwear

 KIT4CREW is a sustainability initiative to repurpose unwanted or unused creative-industry workwear, that has amassed nearly 1500 pieces of screen-sector workwear in just under 12 months since launch.

KIT4CREW gives items of crew clothing a second life, making it available to crew members who need it, thus reducing waste and nurturing an on-set culture of sustainability and minimising productions’ environmental footprint.

The service is free to use, funded by Real SFX. It won Green Business of the Year at the 2024 South Wales Business Awards and is nominated in the Sustainability category at the upcoming Cardiff Life Awards.

The team reported a recent surge in stock requests since the onset of winter weather; the provision is proving popular as recycling/repurposing is now so crucial not just for environmental reasons, but also economic ones.

KIT4CREW, that was launched in collaboration with BECTU and Cult Cymru, provides collection bins for donated surplus or unused workwear, with the items then redistributed to crew members who request them. Productions will also receive print materials to encourage uptake and further support in promoting sustainability practices.

Productions can manage the stock on-site, or opt for Real SFX to handle it in their Cardiff space.

So far, KIT4CREW is being used by every production house and studio in Wales, along with Bristol’s The Bottle Yard Studios. Netflix recently requested a bin for a production in London.

Since launching in March 2024, KIT4CREW has received nearly 1500 items including coats, jackets, gloves, thermals, waders and boots, with more than 400 requests fulfilled from crew members, including SGIL Cymru apprentices.

The team is keen to expand the offering, given the success of its first year in operation.

Real SFX company director Carmela Carrubba told The Knowledge: “KIT4CREW was born from identifying a real issue in the industry. After Covid, the writers’ strike, and the cost of living crisis, we saw crew really struggling to have the right workwear on set. With the support of Bectu and Cult Cymru, we launched KIT4CREW to help bridge that gap.

“It’s about making sure everyone has access to the right workwear – whether that’s a new starter in the industry, a new parent returning to work, or someone simply going through a tough time – all while promoting sustainability in our industry.

“It has had the most incredible success thanks to the fabulous studios that have come on board, and sustainability coordinators are ensuring all crew know about the project. Trainers and providers have also reached out to us, which is fantastic to see.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the overwhelming support we’ve received. And this is just the beginning.”

There is more information in the video below: