The textile and fashion industries are among the world’s largest polluters. The production of clothing and PPE contributes significantly to carbon emissions, water consumption and landfill waste.
Consider these key figures:
- The average European throws away 11 kg of textiles each year, a staggering amount that contributes to the 336,000 tonnes of unwanted clothes discarded in the UK alone annually.
- The production of a single cotton T-shirt can require up to 2,700 litres of water—enough for one person to drink for two and a half years.
- Millions of plastic bottles are recycled into fibres to create garments, offering a tangible way to reduce waste and minimise the use of virgin materials.
For a corporate buyer, this means that every garment purchased has a real-world impact.
Choosing a provider that is not committed to sustainability is a direct contradiction of modern corporate values. It can expose a business to reputational risk and undermine its own Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Verifying a sustainable partner: What to ask
Don’t just take a supplier’s word for it.
To ensure you’re partnering with a truly sustainable provider, you need to ask the right questions and demand transparent answers. This is your due diligence, and it’s crucial for making an informed choice.
Here are the essential questions to include in your procurement process:
What sustainability accreditations do you hold?
Look for certifications like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and other widely recognised standards that demonstrate a commitment to environmental best practices.
Can we see your Ethical & Sustainable Procurement Policy?
A reputable supplier will have a clear, documented policy that outlines their commitments to ethical sourcing, fair labour and environmental protection across their entire supply chain.
What’s your packaging made of and how is it sourced?
This is a simple but telling question. Many suppliers are still reliant on single-use plastics, while leading providers are shifting to biodegradable or recycled alternatives – our mailing bags are 100% biodegradable and all our cardboard is both recycled and recyclable.
Do you have a carbon reduction plan and when do you expect to be at net zero?
A concrete plan with measurable targets is non-negotiable. At Workwear Uniform Group, we are committed to being net zero by 2050, with clear, near-term targets to achieve this.
What happens to your garments at the end of their life?
A truly sustainable supplier will have a circular approach. We, for example, have a “zero to landfill” policy and can repurpose end-of-life garments into materials like wadding for new products.
Do you have any Science-Based Targets? What are they?
Science-Based Targets (SBTs) provide a clear path for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals.
What’s your approach to landfill?
Look for a supplier that has a clear policy to avoid landfill altogether, preferring to recycle, reuse, or repurpose every possible component.
Innovation as the engine of sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just about what you don’t do.
It’s also about what you do better. The most sustainable partners are often the most innovative. They invest in technology and processes that reduce their environmental impact while increasing efficiency.
For example, our £15m fully automated robot warehouse is a prime example of this principle in action. It runs 24/7, enabling us to handle massive volumes with unparalleled accuracy. More importantly, this technology has cut our emissions per pick by an impressive 75% – running 10 robots uses the same power as one domestic vacuum cleaner.
This is a powerful testament to how a forward-thinking, innovation-led approach can deliver both commercial and environmental benefits.
By asking the right questions and looking for tangible evidence of a commitment to sustainability, you can select a workwear provider that not only meets your operational needs but also serves as a true partner in your corporate social responsibility goals. This strategic choice is an investment in a more sustainable future for your business and our planet.
