“Wearing them will instil a sense of pride in the team of volunteers…” says the Glasgow government website about the “stylish but practical and comfortable” uniforms handed to all 1,000 volunteers at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26.

The Scotland-based, family-run company that made these uniforms – which include insulated jackets, soft shell jackets, fleeces, trousers, hoodies, polo shirts, gloves, a backpack and a warm hat – has also pledged to plant a tree for every volunteer uniform provided.

A recent digging-around by a Norway-based science news website, ScienceNorway.no, has revealed that these uniforms have actually been made from 100% recycled polyester, from plastic bottles. “The trousers are made from a mixture of 65% of the same polyester and 35% organic cotton.”

Wonder if these uniforms would find any takers after the end of the conference! Will recycled plastic clothing ever save the environment when used for no other purpose than a climate summit?