Sustainable Fabrics: What Your Business Needs to Know

rolls of coloured fabric

In 2025, sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a business necessity. As the impact of climate change becomes impossible to ignore, companies must act now to meet rising environmental and social expectations.

For businesses whose staff wear work uniforms, adopting sustainable fabrics is a powerful opportunity to reduce your environmental impact, enhance your brand reputation, and align with the values of customers and employees alike.

This guide from the textile experts at Jermyn Street Design (JSD) explains why sustainable fabrics matter, explores the key materials transforming the workwear industry, and highlights how forward-thinking work uniform manufacturers are leading the charge.

Why Sustainable Fabrics Are Essential for Workplace Uniforms

The Environmental Toll of Traditional Fabrics

According to YouGov data, 19% of all UK workers wear a work uniform. With the most recent figures putting employment numbers at 33.7 million, this means that roughly 6.4 million people in the UK wear workplace uniforms.

Most of these uniforms are made with conventional materials like polyester or cotton, which have dominated the industry for decades but come with significant environmental costs.

Polyester, for example, is typically made from non-renewable petroleum in an energy-intensive production process that generates high levels of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

To make matters worse, a typical wash of polyester and other synthetic clothing releases up to 700,000 microplastic fibres into waterways, significantly contributing to the global pollution of our oceans.

Although cotton is a natural material, its cultivation and production also have a steep environmental toll. Producing just one cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water, and conventional cotton farming involves heavy pesticide use, which harms ecosystems and exposes workers to dangerous chemicals.

When multiplied across the millions of UK uniforms, the cumulative environmental impact of these materials is staggering.

Meeting Modern Expectations

Switching to sustainable work uniforms isn’t just about reducing your environmental harm – it’s a strategic business move too.

  • Consumer demand: Customers increasingly choose brands that align with their values. In fact, according to Forbes, 88% of consumers want companies to help them live more sustainably, and they are willing to pay a 9.7% sustainability premium for products and services that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
  • Employee loyalty: Employees want to work for organisations that align with their values. Recent research shows that 51% of employees want to see their employer invest more in sustainability initiatives, and this figure rises to 61% among workers aged 18 – 34. Providing staff uniforms made from sustainable fabrics is a tangible way to demonstrate your commitment to doing good, fostering employee pride and loyalty.
  • Future-proofing: Regulations and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) pressures are only increasing. Sustainable uniforms position your business as an industry leader rather than a laggard.

In short, adopting sustainable fabrics isn’t just responsible – it’s smart.

Key Fabrics Leading the Way in Sustainable Work Uniforms

1. Recycled Polyester (rPET): From Waste to Wearable

Recycled polyester, or rPET, is made by reprocessing post-consumer plastics like water bottles and discarded fishing nets into new, high-quality fibres. 

This process reduces reliance on virgin petroleum and helps address the global plastic waste crisis.

How rPET Benefits Businesses

  • Waste reduction: rPET diverts plastic waste from landfill or oceans, plus it can be recycled repeatedly.
  • Lower emissions: Recycled polyester production creates 55% less CO₂ emissions and requires 53% less energy consumption than virgin polyester.
  • Durability: Like traditional polyester, rPET is tough, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant, making it ideal for high-performance workplace uniforms in demanding sectors such as construction, warehousing, and transport.

Example in Action:

JSD has helped train operating companies (TOCs) to create durable, stylish recycled polyester workwear that supports their sustainability goals (by diverting thousands of plastic bottles and other plastic waste from landfill) while still meeting their high brand standards. 

2. Organic Cotton: Ethical and Comfortable

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Relying only on eco-friendly farming methods such as crop rotation and rain-fed irrigation, it’s a fabric that benefits both people and the planet.

Why Choose Organic Cotton?

  • Eco-friendly farming: Organic cotton can use up to 91% less water compared to conventional cotton and avoids harmful synthetic chemicals.
  • Healthier ecosystems: By eliminating toxic substances, organic farming protects wildlife and water sources.
  • Enhanced employee comfort: Organic cotton feels softer and is more breathable, reducing irritation for wearers, especially in physically demanding roles.

Real-World Impact:

A retailer working with JSD transitioned to sustainable uniforms made from organic cotton. Employees praised the improved comfort, while the company significantly reduced its water footprint.

3. Blended Innovations: The Best of Both Worlds

Blending fabrics like rPET with organic fibres such as cotton creates hybrid materials that offer the durability of synthetic fibres and the comfort of natural ones. 

Such blends are ideal for industries requiring versatile work uniforms that need to withstand heavy use while remaining stylish, for example retail, travel, hospitality, and client services.

Advantages of Blends:

  • Longevity: Blended fabrics often last longer, extending uniform lifecycles and reducing replacement costs.
  • Sustainability: Combining materials optimises resource use while maintaining performance.
  • Aesthetic flexibility: Blends provide a range of finishes, from crisp and professional to soft and casual.

The Role of Work Uniform Manufacturers in Driving Sustainability

Sustainability starts with the right design and manufacturing processes. Leading work uniform manufacturers like JSD go beyond fabric choice to create a truly sustainable production ecosystem.

1. Certifications for Trust and Transparency

Certifications such as  Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX ensure that fabrics and garments meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards:

  • Fair Trade: Confirms that a garment was produced under ethical conditions, guaranteeing fair wages, safe working environments, and sustainable practices for workers and communities involved in its production.
  • GOTS: Guarantees that textiles are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in facilities that uphold fair labour practices.
  • OEKO-TEX: Verifies that textiles are free from harmful substances, ensuring safety for wearers and the environment.

At JSD, we also demonstrate our sustainability credentials with accreditations such as an Ecovadis Silver medal, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, Common Objective membership, and Sedex membership.

All of these certifications give our clients peace of mind that their sustainable uniforms are genuinely eco-friendly.

2. Circular Design Principles

Another way that manufacturers can drive change is by adopting circular fashion models. Making eco-friendly choices and designing uniforms that can be recycled or composted at the end of their lifecycle minimises waste and reduces reliance on virgin resources.

3. Energy-Efficient Processes

From lean manufacturing to renewable energy use, leading uniform manufacturers are cutting emissions at every stage in order to achieve Net Zero goals. For example, JSD is committed to reducing our Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions to Net-Zero by 2040, & Scope 3 emissions by 2050. 

Business Benefits of Sustainable Work Uniforms

Adopting sustainable work uniforms offers more than just environmental benefits – it also drives tangible value for businesses.

1. Enhancing Brand Reputation

Today’s consumers expect brands to act responsibly. Providing employees with workplace uniforms made from sustainable fabrics can improve customer perception by showing that your business doesn’t just talk the talk – it walks the walk.

2. Boosting Employee Engagement

Uniforms are a daily touchpoint for employees. Offering sustainable options sends a clear message that your company cares about both people and the planet, which can improve morale and productivity.

3. Reducing Long-Term Costs

While sustainable fabrics may have a higher upfront cost, their durability often leads to fewer replacements. Combined with reduced compliance costs as regulations tighten, sustainable uniforms can save money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Work Uniforms

Q: What’s the difference between GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications?

A: GOTS focuses on organic fibres and ethical production processes, covering the entire supply chain. OEKO-TEX, on the other hand, certifies that fabrics are free from harmful chemicals, making it ideal for skin-safe garments.

Q: Are sustainable fabrics as durable as conventional ones?

A: Absolutely. Fabrics like rPET are engineered for strength and wear-resistance, making them just as tough – if not tougher – than traditional options.

Q: Can switching to sustainable uniforms save money?

A: Yes. While initial costs might be slightly higher, the durability and quality of sustainable fabrics mean fewer replacements. Plus, aligning with sustainability can attract eco-conscious customers and employees, driving business growth.

Ready to Transform Your Work Uniforms?

Sustainable fabrics are more than a trend – they’re the future of responsible business. By switching to sustainable work uniforms, your company can reduce its environmental impact, boost its reputation, and meet the growing demands of customers and employees.

At JSD, we specialise in crafting high-quality, eco-friendly workplace uniforms tailored to your needs. From GOTS-certified organic cotton to recycled polyester blends, we can help you select uniform materials that align with your sustainable values.

Contact us today to explore how our expertise can take your uniforms – and your brand – to the next level.

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