Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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Quality sustainable trade workwear is the way forward

Ann Dowdeswell at Jermyn Street Design, a global specialist in corporate clothing, takes a look at why it's important, now more than ever, to ensure the longevity and sustainability of workwear so that your business can thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

“Organisations are recognising the importance of trade workwear for fostering a positive brand image and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees. Workwear isn't just about quality anymore. Sustainable production of clothing is key to ensuring you are providing durable, long-lasting uniforms.

Quality sustainable workwear stands for ethical manufacturing devoid of labour exploitation. The production method is as kind to the environment as possible. This means that less water is wasted, carbon emissions are lower, and less land is used for fibre production. The materials that are used are made from natural fibres, are durable, and have a long shelf life.

Increasing eco-awareness, government regulations and consumer needs are fuelling sustainable clothing manufacture. Did you know that the UK alone generates about 4,000 tonnes of plastic microfibre pollution per year through clothes washing? 1,600 tonnes of this pollution ends up in our rivers and oceans, jeopardising our wildlife. Producing high-quality pieces using responsibly sourced materials can help combat the problem.

With that in mind, organisations are restructuring their supply chains to reflect rising demands in the industry. Many organisations are implementing eco-friendly workwear into their sustainability initiatives.

There are a host of benefits to implementing high-quality sustainable workwear in your organisation. It helps position your business as eco-conscious, increases employee safety and satisfaction, and reduces costs in the long run, all while helping sustain the planet:

1. Extended life cycle

One of the most sought-after properties in sustainable workwear is durability. When you're investing in eco-friendly uniforms, you're also investing in longevity. With the use of natural fibre, the lifespan of sustainable workwear is extended.

If your business is investing in trade workwear that is designed to last and is fit-for-purpose, you are going to reap the benefits of an extended life cycle of uniforms. Following the manufacturing guidelines for garment care will also add to the clothing's longevity.

Workwear durability has yet another benefit for your business. A long-term employee won't need to invest in more work gear over and over if it is produced to be long-lasting, saving the company money in the long run.

Once workwear clothing reaches the end of its life cycle, it's important to dispose of it responsibly. For example, you can look to work with a recycling company, upcycle it, or donate it to a charity.

2. Employees' safety and satisfaction

The main purpose of trade workwear is to provide employees with safety. According to the Health & Safety Executive's ‘Workplace fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2021’ report, there were a total of 39 fatal injuries in Construction in 2020/21, which is slightly higher than the five-year average for fatal injuries in this sector (36). In Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, there were 34 fatal injuries in 2020/21, and 20 in Manufacturing.

As you can see from the report, trade industries are headlining the fatal injuries chart. This calls for the implementation of high-quality workwear designed for safety and protection. Workwear made from cheap synthetic materials won't provide as much protection as durable clothing made from natural materials.

Apart from offering safety, Personal Protective Equipment also contributes to employees' wellbeing and personal satisfaction. Wearing a uniform that is designed to last can increase workers' confidence in their organisation as the company is clearly investing in securing their health and safety, employees will feel valued and appreciated.

3. Positive brand awareness

Your employees are the face of your organisation. Happy, satisfied employees will present your company in a positive light to customers, investors, and the media.
Not only that, but your workforce also acts as brand ambassadors. High-quality workwear is also beneficial for your brand image. With that in mind, consider logo placements and adopting a colour palette for better visibility. This will mean that your employees can be identified more easily, and will aid in your marketing campaigns too.
You can also position your organisation as a thought leader in sustainability. Articulate your eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable workwear, through your brand messages both on and offline.

Recognising the benefits of high-quality sustainable workwear will help you stand out in a competitive market. On top of that, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you're doing your bit for the environment.”

https://jsd.co.uk

31st March 2022