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.
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.
Switching to sustainable work uniforms isn’t just about reducing your environmental harm – it’s a strategic business move too.
In short, adopting sustainable fabrics isn’t just responsible – it’s smart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certifications such as Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX ensure that fabrics and garments meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards:
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.
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.
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.
Adopting sustainable work uniforms offers more than just environmental benefits – it also drives tangible value for businesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A: Absolutely. Fabrics like rPET are engineered for strength and wear-resistance, making them just as tough – if not tougher – than traditional options.
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.
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.