DHL upcycles retired uniforms into fashion accessories with Hong Kong designer

Retired courier gear is reworked into accessories with Redress and Absurd Laboratory.

DHL Express has teamed up with Hong Kong designer Eric Wong and environmental NGO Redress to turn retired courier uniforms into a limited-edition fashion accessory collection, according to DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau.

The “DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection” reworks old DHL polo shirts and cargo pants into wearable accessories, including a convertible bucket hat that doubles as a sling bag, unisex clogs, and small bear-shaped pendants.

The project follows Wong’s win of the Redress Design Award 2025 DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize, which challenged designers to rethink how retired uniforms can be reused.

Wong, also founder of Absurd Laboratory, said the uniforms were taken apart and rebuilt into new pieces to give materials a second life in a more playful form with a focus on reuse and design experimentation. 

Andy Chiang, senior vice president and managing director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, said the collaboration reflects ongoing work around circularity in fashion and sustainability initiatives.

He added that international orders for the collection will be shipped using DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, which uses sustainable aviation fuel.

DHL said proceeds from the charity sale will go to Redress to support its work in training emerging designers focused on circular fashion practices.

The collection includes a bucket hat-sling bag hybrid, slip-on clogs in four sizes, and two bear accessories with movable limbs made from repurposed uniform material.

Items are available through Absurd Laboratory’s online store, Midwest Vintage, and The Redress Closet.

DHL said the project is part of a broader effort to extend the life of its uniforms beyond operational use, while supporting design education and reuse-focused fashion production.