Choosing Sustainable Workwear For Plastic Free July

Here at Jermyn Street Design, we believe that every uniform can be green. Often we only consider the final image of a uniform. But each decision, from fabric selection to production technique can directly impact the planet.  For Plastic Free July, we are exploring how microplastics in clothing can contribute to our ever-growing climate issues. Through sustainable practices within your uniform design, you can contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce emissions and be proud of your custom workwear. In this article, we will be focusing on why sustainable uniforms are important and the impact of plastic in clothing.

Why Sustainable Workwear Matters

What is Plastic Free July and why is it so important? Plastic Free July centres around the ‘global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.’ For the month of July and beyond, individuals are encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastic waste and to not add to the already overwhelming environmental burden caused by general pollution. For companies, this month is also a way to join the conversation about the planet and how they too, are moving towards a greener future – which can all start with custom uniforms. 

Now, more than ever, companies should be evaluating their current uniforms and taking a step to improve their sustainability. The manufacturing process, choice of fabrics and the design process all contribute significantly to the sustainability of uniforms. Many businesses are now choosing custom uniforms with more ‘green’ fabrics, like organic cotton and hemp – all of which can reduce the strain on natural resources.  As well as conveying a dedication to your business’s environmental commitments, sustainable uniforms can also give a competitive edge when compared to other companies in your industry.

Sustainable Materials and The Role of Plastic in Clothing

Across every industry, there is a demand for more planet-responsible products and services – including how we dress. As textiles make up a large percentage of landfill waste, it’s important to continue our sustainable practices with our choice in uniforms. 

With this in mind, it’s important to look at what fabrics uniforms are now being made with and what happens once they are no longer needed. We have seen that the sustainable clothing sector ‘has steadily risen over the past decade, and the trend is forecast to continue, with the market share set to reach over six percent by 2026.’ Fabrics such as organic hemp, organic cotton, organic linen, recycled fabrics and lyoncell have all become more popular as well. For creating custom uniforms and workwear, these materials are more planet-friendly. 

Also rising in popularity is the idea of reusing fabric. To be more sustainable with our clothing, many companies have adopted a ‘more circular business programs, which is generally split into the categories of resale, rental, repair, and recycling.’ To keep up with this growing interest, here at JSD, we offer an end-of-life process for all our uniforms. In addition to full transparency in our production process, we also allow planned end-of-life disposal, where we either upcycle parts of old uniforms or get rid of them in the most sustainable way possible.  

But what does Plastic Free July have to do with fabric? Much of our clothing has been created with synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which have come from petroleum-based chemicals. While these materials appear durable, they can contribute to environmental issues such as microplastic pollution in oceans and landfills. Other materials can be just as versatile and durable, while also not harming the environment.

Sustainable uniforms can reduce environmental impact and improve a brand reputation to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. In addition to customers being happy, employees can also be more satisfied with bespoke sustainable uniforms. When employees have the choice of wearing custom uniforms that are both comfortable and align with their values of environmental responsibility, they will not only feel united, but will also have a sense of pride for their workplace. A happy team is a productive team – with custom, eco-friendly uniforms, you can encourage a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to your company. 

How Ethical Manufacturing Ties Into Sustainability

Ethical manufacturing is another way in which companies can cut back on their carbon output. As a modern business, ‘you should be proud to be an ethical manufacturer. Through your business, remind customers and the community that you’re acting with the best intentions in mind.’

Our initiatives here at JSD are all about creating a better planet through the ethical manufacturing of uniforms. For instance, we ship our uniforms to our customers when travelling overseas. Shipping instead of using air transport cuts down on unnecessary pollution. We believe that through adopting an ethical manufacturing process, we can ‘reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy and water, minimise waste generation, and utilise eco-friendly materials’. 

However, ethical manufacturing goes further than being environmentally-friendly. Ethical manufacturing ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and humane treatment of all workers on the production line. This improves the lives of all workers, reduces social inequalities and supports growing communities. As pioneers in the sustainable uniform sector, we aim to ‘prioritise minimising our environmental footprint as well as the health and safety of our employees and the public.’ 

Jermyn Street Design – Improving Business Appearance Whilst Reducing The Strain On The Environment

For over 40-years, we have been committed to the environment and helping businesses build brand value through our award-winning sustainable workwear. Our Green Thread Sustainability initiative, explores industry insights, practices, statistics, workshops, and innovative tools, covering all stages of the workwear lifecycle in detail.  

Whilst Plastic Free July is only for a month, we carry our sustainable values with us all year round. From initial contact with us to the final stages of your custom uniform journey, we prioritise both your dream design alongside our collective environmental responsibility.  For more information about how you can reduce your company’s carbon footprint, get in contact with our team today.