Sustainability questions now turn up regularly in customer questionnaires, tenders and supplier onboarding forms. Workwear is an obvious place to look, because it is bought regularly and replaced often. The good news is that the most effective steps are practical ones, and several of them save money as well.
1. Buy kit that lasts
The most sustainable garment is usually the one you do not have to replace. A better-made pair of work trousers that survives a year of site work generally has less impact, and can cost less over time, than two cheaper pairs that wear through. Look at fabric weight, reinforced knees and seams, and whether the garment is suitable for industrial laundering if that is how you clean it. Our workwear fabric guide explains the main options.
2. Order the right sizes and quantities
Wrong sizes and over-ordering are hidden sources of waste: branded garments that do not fit usually cannot be passed on. Free samples and a proper size run before a big order help, as does ordering little and often rather than stockpiling. See our sizing guide and uniform allowance and rotation guide.
3. Look at recycled and organic fabrics
A growing number of workwear and uniform garments use recycled polyester (often made from recycled plastic bottles) or organic cotton. These reduce reliance on virgin materials, but the claim should be backed by a recognised certification rather than a label that just says eco.
Certifications worth knowing
| Certification | What it covers |
|---|---|
| GRS (Global Recycled Standard) | Verifies recycled content and tracks it through the supply chain |
| GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) | Organic fibre content, plus environmental and social criteria in processing |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | The finished textile has been tested for harmful substances. It is a product-safety label, not a recycled or organic claim |
| Fair Wear Foundation membership | The brand is working to improve labour conditions in its supply chain |
4. Care for it properly
Washing at the temperature on the label, avoiding unnecessary tumble drying and repairing small tears early all extend a garment's life. Our workwear care guide covers the basics.
5. Plan for the end of life
Branded workwear cannot usually go to a charity shop with your logo on it. Recovering kit from leavers, reissuing unworn items and using textile recycling services are all better than landfill. See our guide to disposing of old branded workwear.
Safety comes first
Where garments are PPE, such as hi-vis or flame-resistant clothing, the protective rating always comes first. A recycled-fabric hi-vis jacket is only suitable if it is certified to the standard your risk assessment requires.
The short version
Buy durable kit, order the right sizes and quantities, choose certified recycled or organic fabrics where they suit the job, look after garments properly and plan for what happens to them at the end. If you would like recycled or organic options for your team, mention it when you ask for a quote and we will show you what is available in the styles you need.
