You may have seen the rise in eco-friendly garments in our personal lives. Big brands are starting to produce clothes, shoes and accessories made from recycled and innovative materials on a wider level. There’s also a rise in start up challenger brands looking to take on the garment industry and archaic unsustainable practices. As a result, these consumer patterns are migrating throughout all of our daily choices - becoming prolific in the business world too.
We're all increasingly aware of our impact on the environment as individuals and as organisations. During a study of younger workers in the UK, 68% said they would like to work for an employer who is doing something positive for the future of the planet. So as we become more environmentally conscious, sustainable workwear is gaining in popularity as an option for companies that are looking for innovative ways to protect the planet.
Here's what you need to know about sustainable workwear, why it matters, and how you can incorporate it into your professional wardrobe.
What is Sustainable Workwear?
Sustainable workwear refers to uniforms and PPE that's environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and ethically produced. It's made using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled fibres, and produced in an eco-friendly manner. This can mean no hazardous chemicals, low water usage, and minimal waste. The final product is durable, comfortable, and safe for the environment.
Not only is sustainability about what we consume - but how we consume too. As a responsible supplier, we ensure that the logistics of receiving your workwear are as sustainable as possible too. With solutions around branded stock levels, supply chain efficiencies, and delivery consolidation. We also help our customers with recycling their branded workwear - protecting both their brand and our planet from poorly discarded products.
Why Does Sustainable Workwear Matter?
Our choices matter, and what we wear to work is no exception. The garment industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste, pollution, and unethical practices. From the production process to the disposal of garments, workwear can have a significant impact on the environment. The demand for cheap products has led to a throwaway culture that's not sustainable. By choosing sustainable workwear, we can reduce our carbon footprint, protect our planet, and promote responsible practices.
How to Choose Sustainable Workwear?
Yes, sustainable workwear is good for the environment but we know other factors are important too. With more brands creating sustainable ranges - it’s easy to find a comfortable, stylish and affordable swop.
Here are some tips to help you choose eco-friendly workwear:
- Look for sustainable materials: Choose clothes made from organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled fibres. These materials are eco-friendly, and they are grown or produced using fewer resources than conventional materials. Ask our expert purchasing team what brands we currently stock that could be a good substitute for your usual product.
- Check the label: Look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX. These labels indicate that the garment is made using sustainable practices and materials.
- Buy high-quality items: Choose garments that are durable and long-lasting. Quality clothes may be more expensive, but they will last longer, reduce product churn, and save you money in the long run. Ensure wash and care tags aren’t removed so people know how to best care for their uniforms and prolong their life.
- Check consumption patterns: Fenns wardrobe management system is great for helping you to manage uniform en-masse. Each member of your team is allocated either a budget or stock allowance so they can spend it on predetermined items chosen by your procurement team. You’ll then be able to control and monitor all workwear orders to see that no one is over-ordering.
- Consolidate deliveries: We work with you to ensure that deliveries are as structured as possible - meaning that multiple orders can be shipped at the same time to save on both cost and your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Sustainable workwear is not a trend; it's here to stay. By choosing eco-friendly products, we can reduce our impact on the environment, promote responsible practices, and look stylish and professional at the same time. With so many sustainable materials, labels, and brands becoming available, it's getting easier to make sustainable choices when it comes to our uniform. Remember, every choice we make matters, and by choosing sustainable workwear, we're making a positive impact on the world.
If you’d like help with creating a sustainable workwear wardrobe, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
