Direct Corporate Clothing Sustainability Commitments

sustainability

At DCC we take sustainability seriously and are taking the necessary steps to decrease our negative impact on the environment. Sustainability is not just about doing less harm, it's about doing more good too. It's the ability to maintain an ecological balance and avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

Looking after the environment

DCC recognise the need to protect the natural environment.

Apart from legal obligations, our company has committed to proactively protecting the planet.

Examples of relevant activities include:

Recycling obsolete clothing through our recycling partner.
Investing in electric/hybrid vehicles.
Using environmentally-friendly technologies and packaging.
Internal office recycling
Promotion of the National Hard Hat Recycling Scheme.
Use of cardboard baler in the warehouse to bale unwanted boxes.
Re-use cardboard boxes (where possible) for the dispatch of our goods and limits the use of plastic.

Sustainability Review

All of DCCs sustainability commitments are outlined in our Sustainability Review which is assessed each year as to how we have met goals and how we can improve further. DCC is committed to running a responsible, environmentally respectful and sustainable business. We recognise that our supply chain, processes and products can have an impact on the environment both directly and indirectly.

Sustainable Supply Chain

Our procurement team works with a variety of suppliers to provide workwear and PPE that meets our client's needs. They source products to match exact requirements, but go further and can source alternative options in terms of price, performance, and sustainability.

How to be more sustainable when it comes to workwear

Recycled Polyester

Polyester accounts for more than 50% of the fibres used in the textile and apparel industry. The use of recycled polyester (rPET) is a great way to divert plastic from going to landfills. The production of rPET uses fewer resources than producing fibres from virgin polyester. It generates fewer carbon emissions too.

Performance, ECLIPSE and TODAY Collections all include options that use recycled polyester. The Performance range includes the EDITION jacket and MERCHANT skirt which diverts 45 bottles per suit from landfill.

Sustainably sourced products

By looking for products that have been sustainably sourced you can decrease the negative impact your business has on the environment. Sustainably sourced garments refer to products that integrate processes that are socially, ethically and environmentally responsible.

We have the ability to provide compliant workwear which is also sustainably sourced, such as the EcoViz range from Leo Workwear.

Monofibre Solutions

Using one single fibre to produce an item of clothing or PPE is far better than using synthetic or mixed-fibre fabrics. Designing clothing in monofibre will minimise the need for dismantling a product before recycling, therefore using less energy and wasting less time. Monofibre applies to labels, threads and accessories, not just the main fabric.

Within the ONE Collection from Brook Taverner there are certain garments made with 100% polyester.

Organic Cotton

It’s the production process of organic cotton which makes organic clothing better for the environment. Organic cotton is grown using processes that have a have impact on the environment. These processes eliminate the use of toxic chemicals and liquids and help build biologically diverse agriculture. Organic cotton fibres are also stronger than conventional cotton.

We have multiple suppliers which offer organic clothing for basic leisurewear. Please get in touch if you’d like a quote.

Recycle your clothing

To become a more responsible and sustainable organisation look into the ability for your workwear to be recycled or reused. Globally just 12% of the material used for clothing is recycled. By purchasing clothing you know can be recycled or reused will help increase this number.

We promote the work of Race Recycling, Avena Recycling and the National Hard Hat Recycling Scheme to help you find ways to recycle your workwear.

Durability

Sustainability takes into consideration the effect that a garment's production has on the environment. If an item was to be more durable and have a longer life there would be a decrease in demand for new items, and therefore a decrease in impact on the environment.

Our GORE-TEX range of clothing is a perfect example of this. Before a product is released it goes through rigorous testing at the GORE-TEX HQ. Even bespoke products that we create using the GORE-TEX materials are sent off and tested to ensure durability.

Donate

Around 350,000 tonnes of wearable clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year. We must emphasise the importance of diverting products from going to landfills. One way to do this is to donate them to charity. All plain items where security is not concerned and items that are suitable for reuse are welcomed by charities across the country and globally.

Quality over quantity

When looking for technical workwear, PPE and Corporate uniform we urge you to look at the quality of the garment over the price. A quality garment, in theory, lasts longer, has less need to be repaired, goes above and beyond regulations and will most likely consider sustainability at the design point. This will all equate to decreasing a negative impact on the environment.

Repair

If a garment can be repaired, why not fix it and prolong its use instead of discarding it. Some technical workwear now comes with repair kits to help prevent sending the item to landfills. Standard workwear can also be repaired easily by local tailors or by partnering with a local business.

Trans-seasonal clothing

When we talk about trans-seasonal clothing we refer to items of clothing that can be worn all year round. This takes into account the layering principle. For example, instead of buying one big heavy-duty winter coat which can’t be worn in the summer. Look into purchasing a lighter weight jacket that can be worn over other items of clothing to use the layering principle to keep them warm.

UK Made

Last, but by no means least, look at where the items are manufactured. By purchasing UK made clothing and PPE reduces carbon footprint compared to items that need to be shipped across the globe. By purchasing from the UK (or Europe) as an alternative to the Middle East or Asia not only decreases carbon footprint but also helps the local economy.

Numerous companies within our supply chain have UK manufacturing and production facilities. If you would like us to look at UK made alternatives for you please let us know and we will look into sourcing this for you. One to note is the PPE supplier Alpha Solway.