Costain Introduces New Inclusive and Eco-Friendly PPE Range

Costain has launched an upgraded personal protective equipment and workwear programme designed to better support employee wellbeing, accessibility and sustainability across its operations.

The infrastructure company worked with its internal inclusion groups, including the Disability and Wellbeing Network and the Women’s Network (Dawn), alongside PPE supplier Arco, to redesign and expand its available clothing and safety equipment options.

More than 150 new products have been added to the range, with the aim of improving comfort, fit and usability for workers across a variety of roles and personal requirements.

The revised offering includes specialist footwear with lace-free fastening systems that use adjustable dials and cables instead of traditional laces. These boots are intended to help individuals who may experience difficulty using standard fastenings due to mobility or dexterity issues.

Additional clothing options now feature softer and more breathable fabrics to better support workers managing skin sensitivities, sensory conditions or menopause-related symptoms. Costain also said certain PPE items can be adapted to suit employees with limb differences.

The company’s latest sustainability report revealed that 24% of its workforce identify as having a disability or long-term health condition, highlighting the importance of creating equipment that accommodates a broader range of needs.

Alongside accessibility improvements, Costain has increased the number of environmentally conscious PPE products within its catalogue. Many of the newly introduced items use recycled materials and manufacturing methods intended to lower water usage and reduce energy consumption during production.

According to the company, the number of sustainable PPE options available to employees has now doubled.

Costain’s Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Catherine Duffy, said the updated range reflects the organisation’s commitment to building an inclusive working environment while maintaining high standards for safety and quality.

She explained that the company worked closely with both employee networks and supply chain partners to ensure the new PPE options better reflect the diverse needs of its workforce.

Emily Castle, who chairs Costain’s Disability and Wellbeing Network, said the initiative demonstrates how employee feedback can lead to meaningful workplace improvements. She added that the broader choice of products and sizing options makes the range more accessible for staff across the business.

Costain delivers infrastructure projects across sectors including transport, energy, water, defence, rail and nuclear. The company said the enhanced PPE programme supports its wider strategy around equality, wellbeing and workforce inclusion.

The business is also recognised as a Disability Confident Leader and participates in schemes including The Valuable 500 and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. Costain added that its London headquarters incorporates a range of accessibility features designed to support neurodivergent and disabled employees.