Is Your Uniform Supplier Really Sustainable or Just Greenwashing?
As businesses strive to meet their sustainability targets, there’s increasing scrutiny on Scope 3 emissions – the indirect emissions that occur throughout a company’s supply chain. These emissions, often tied to suppliers and outsourced services, often account for a significant portion of a company’s carbon footprint.
For companies prioritising sustainability, this means that choosing an eco-friendly and ethical workwear supplier is more important than ever.
But how can you be certain your supplier is truly sustainable? With many companies jumping on the green bandwagon, “greenwashing” – the practice of making deceptive claims about environmental responsibility – has become widespread.
In this post, the team from JSD will explore how to identify whether your uniform supplier is genuinely committed to sustainable workwear or if they’re just using greenwashing tactics to appear more environmentally conscious than they actually are.
We’ll also discuss how to evaluate a supplier’s impact on your business’s Scope 3 emissions and ensure alignment with your ethical values.
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to the act of misleading consumers by falsely advertising products or practices as more environmentally responsible than they really are.
According to the United Nations, greenwashing presents a significant obstacle to tackling climate change by promoting false solutions to the climate crisis that distract from and delay credible action.
Unfortunately, it is a surprisingly common practice, with a recent study by Hattrick and the Carbon Literacy Project finding that 63% of B2B businesses admit to greenwashing – though the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher.
What Is Greenwashing in the Uniform Industry?
In the bespoke uniform industry, greenwashing might involve suppliers making broad claims about sustainability as part of their marketing tactics, without providing verifiable details or credible evidence.
For example, a supplier may promote their products with terms such as “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” while failing to disclose key facts about where their fabrics are sourced or how much energy and water are used in the production process.
With the growing emphasis on reducing Scope 3 emissions, businesses need to be cautious of sustainable workwear suppliers that don’t provide transparency around their supply chain practices.
Companies focused on sustainability must assess whether their suppliers’ practices align with their environmental goals or if they risk inflating their sustainability credentials with empty claims.
How to Tell If Your Uniform Supplier Is Truly Sustainable
Determining whether a bespoke uniform supplier is genuinely sustainable requires investigating beyond their surface-level marketing.
Look for Credible Certifications
A legitimate sustainable workwear supplier will have third-party certifications – both as a business and on their product labels – that prove their eco-friendly claims.
For example, certifications such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and Fair Trade show that materials are ethically sourced, free from harmful chemicals, and produced under sustainable conditions. These certifications are vital for verifying the authenticity of a supplier’s sustainability claims.
At JSD, we work with suppliers who hold OEKO-TEX certifications, ensuring that our fabrics meet stringent environmental and safety standards. Whether it’s organic cotton or recycled polyester, these materials are chosen to minimise environmental impact while providing high-quality, ethical workwear solutions.
We are also proud to hold accreditations that illustrate our company’s dedication to sustainability, including an Ecovadis Silver medal, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, Common Objective membership, and Sedex membership.
Supply Chain Transparency
True sustainability isn’t just about the end product – it’s about the entire supply chain. A genuinely sustainable workwear supplier will be transparent about every step in their supply chain, from where their raw materials come from and how they are manufactured to what steps are taken to ensure minimal environmental damage.
This transparency is essential for companies looking to reduce their Scope 3 emissions and accurately track the environmental impact of their suppliers.
JSD offers full transparency across our supply chain. From sourcing organic and recycled materials from suppliers who uphold rigorous standards to monitoring the ethical conditions under which they are produced, we ensure that businesses know the full story behind their uniforms. This helps our clients to reduce their Scope 3 emissions and meet their sustainability targets.
Red Flags: How to Spot Greenwashing in Uniform Suppliers
Not all sustainability claims are created equal. The following are common red flags that suggest your bespoke uniform supplier might be greenwashing.
1. Vague or Overstated Claims
Be wary of suppliers that use generic terms like “green” or “eco-friendly” without providing detailed explanations. Genuine sustainability efforts are specific, measurable, and backed by data, not just buzzwords. If a uniform supplier’s sustainability claims are overly broad or lack clear metrics, this is often a sign of greenwashing.
2. No Supply Chain Information
Suppliers who aren’t transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, or the labour conditions in their factories may be hiding unsustainable practices. Sustainable and ethical workwear suppliers will provide clear information about where their materials come from and how their products are made.
JSD provides detailed information on the materials and processes we use, ensuring that customers understand the environmental benefits of each choice. Our transparent supply chain allows clients to confidently report on their efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
3. Exaggerated Focus on One Green Aspect
Some suppliers may focus on one small environmentally friendly feature – like using recycled packaging – while ignoring larger, more impactful areas like energy use or unethical sourcing practices.
Make sure your bespoke uniform supplier’s sustainability efforts are comprehensive and address the full scope of their operations. A good example of this is JSD’s full Sustainability Policy, which offers detailed information on everything from materials and packaging used for our sustainable workwear to greenhouse gas emissions and labour practices.
Why Ethical Workwear Matters: The Impact of Genuine Sustainability
Investing in ethical workwear is more than just a marketing strategy – it’s a meaningful way to reduce your company’s overall environmental impact. Choosing the right supplier ensures that your business is making real progress towards sustainability. Here’s why it matters:
Reducing Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are often the most challenging to tackle because they occur across the supply chain, from raw material extraction to product delivery. Working with a truly sustainable workwear supplier can significantly reduce these emissions by minimising waste, conserving energy, and choosing eco-friendly materials.
By sourcing organic cotton and recycled fabrics, JSD helps reduce the energy and resources used in production, contributing to lower Scope 3 emissions for our clients. Additionally, our commitment to zero-waste initiatives ensures that our production processes are as efficient as possible, reducing waste and energy consumption.
Supporting Ethical Labour Practices
Sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact – it’s also about ensuring fair and safe working conditions for the people who produce bespoke uniforms. A responsible supplier will work with factories that prioritise fair wages, ethical treatment, and safe working environments.
JSD only partners with suppliers who adhere to strict ethical labour standards. We ensure that all workers involved in our ethical workwear supply chain are treated fairly and ethically, and our clients can rest assured that their uniforms are produced in humane conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Workwear and Greenwashing
Q: What certifications should I look for on sustainable workwear?
A: When featured on uniform labels, certifications such OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and Fair Trade are strong indicators of sustainable and ethical practices. They ensure that materials are sourced responsibly and produced without harmful chemicals, under fair working conditions.
Q: How can I verify if my bespoke uniform supplier’s sustainability claims are genuine?
A: Ask for specific details on your supplier’s materials, sourcing, and production processes. A truly sustainable workwear supplier will provide transparency and may have third-party certifications to back up their claims.
Q: What third-party certifications should I look for in a sustainable uniform supplier?
A: A sustainable uniform supplier should have well-recognised third-party accreditations that demonstrate their values, for example an Ecovadis medal, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, Common Objective membership, or Sedex membership.
Q: What impact does ethical workwear have on my brand’s Scope 3 emissions?
A: Ethical workwear, particularly uniforms made from recycled and organic materials, helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of goods. A transparent and sustainable supply chain will directly contribute to lowering your company’s Scope 3 emissions.
Want to Avoid Greenwashing and Choose a Truly Sustainable Workwear Supplier?
Greenwashing can be a challenge for businesses looking to invest in sustainable workwear, but by partnering with a transparent and committed supplier, you can avoid falling into this trap.
JSD is dedicated to providing truly ethical workwear by offering bespoke uniforms made from sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
We ensure full transparency in our verified and robust supply chain, helping you meet your sustainability goals and reduce Scope 3 emissions. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how JSD can help your business design uniforms that are truly sustainable, ethical, and aligned with your corporate values.
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