Choosing workwear that is eco-friendly has great benefit for both the environment and, just as importantly, your bottom line. We created this short guide to help you navigate your options when looking to invest into workwear that supports your sustainability goals whilst giving your workforce garments that are comfortable and made to last.
- Certifications that guarantee sustainability:
Certifications are an excellent starting point. They are the cornerstone of verifying the sustainability and ethical production of your corporate clothing. When choosing sustainable options, ensure the materials or products have recognised certifications. Labels like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and OEKO-TEX ensure that garments are produced ethically and with minimal impact on the environment.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Guarantees that the material is organic and ethically produced. That the fabric is organic and manufactured under strict environmental and social standards, from raw material to finished product.
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for workers in the supply chain. It gets them off the poverty line.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures no harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process.
These certifications confirm the quality of the product but also prove your commitment to ethical practices. You can be confident that your investment is contributing to better conditions for workers, reduced chemical use, and higher-quality materials.
2. Materials that are made to last:
The durability of workwear significantly affects its sustainability. By choosing long-lasting materials, you reduce the frequency of replacements, thereby minimising waste and saving you money in the long term. For example:
- Organic cotton is grown and farmed without using pesticides, this eliminates highly toxic substances from our environment. This is a long-term benefit for both us and the planet and is also softer and more breathable making garments more comfort to wear.
- Hemp is a great option for rugged, durable workwear. Like bamboo, hemp grows quickly, reaching maturity in just 3 to 4 months. This allows for multiple harvests per year, making it a renewable and efficient crop. Hemp requires significantly less water than traditional crops, excellent in regions where water is a limited resource. A single hectare of hemp can absorb up to 15 tonnes of CO2. It requires minimal water and is naturally resistant to pests.
- Recycled polyester gives a second life to plastic waste, transforming it into a durable fabric ideal for workwear that must endure tough conditions. The benefits of recycled polyester include giving a second chance to materials by deferring them from landfill, and that the carbon footprint per tonne of fibre compared to virgin polyester is an estimated 32% lower.
3. Prioritise repairability to extend garment life:
Sustainability does not end at purchase. Workwear that can be easily repaired extends its life and reduces the overall environmental impact. Choose designs with reinforced seams, replaceable buttons, and durable zippers that allow for easy repairs.
4. The long-term benefits: environment and cost savings:
Switching to durable, sustainable workwear is about more than just reducing your carbon footprint. Investing in high-quality, long-lasting garments means fewer replacements, less waste, and ultimately, lower overall expenditure. This means a significant ROI in the long run. Ordering less frequently equals lower procurement costs!
5. Reduced environmental impact:
Choosing ‘well-made’ reduces the volume of textiles that end up in landfills and cuts down on resources required for manufacturing replacements. Supporting a circular economy, where products are used and reused for as long as possible, can have a powerful impact.
At Sustainable Workwear, we take pride in offering high-quality, sustainable options for the Irish market. Our product ranges are built to last. They embody our commitment to providing Irish business with the workwear they need while keeping sustainability front and centre. If this resonates with you, we would love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you may have about transitioning to sustainable workwear.