CASE STUDY
“SMI have really supported us by engaging with us on how we can reduce our Scope 3 emissions and meet our net zero targets.”
In 2025, DOC Cleaning set out with an ambitious goal: to make their workwear range more sustainable.
They wanted to reduce environmental impact, but not at the expense of quality, comfort, or performance.
The challenge was how to make the switch in a way that worked for everyone.
That’s where SMI came in.
Having worked with DOC Cleaning for several years as a trusted supplier, SMI’s ESG team now stepped forward to guide and support the project.
Together, they transitioned DOC Cleaning’s workwear range to more environmentally friendly alternatives, phasing out non-eco uniforms completely.
To make this happen, the SMI team:
DOC Cleaning employees were actively involved throughout the process, too. They joined workwear trials and shared direct feedback, ensuring the new products met real day-to-day needs – and helping everyone feel part of the change.
In October 2025, SMI’s Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement, Elizabeth Mellor, and National Account Manager, Graham O’Connor, attended DOC Cleaning’s supplier showcase at the Beyond Cleaning Awards.
The event gave teams the chance to connect directly with their supply chain, helping build strong relationships, open communication and transparency.
DOC Cleaning can now offer their clients selected eco-friendly workwear options, with clear visibility of the sustainability across their supply chain.
Procurement has also become far more efficient, thanks to the streamlined product offering.
DOC Cleaning and SMI have been shortlisted for the Supply Chain Sustainability Project of the Year Award at the Edie Awards 2026 for the Beyond Cleaning catalogue.
Being shortlisted is a testament to the commitment, hard work, and collaboration that have gone into making this project a reality.
“Since the launch of our Beyond Cleaning Strategy, SMI have really supported us by engaging with us on how we can reduce our Scope 3 emissions and meet our net zero targets.
They’ve also recognised the importance of maintaining high-quality, presentable appearances for our teams. By working collaboratively, we’ve been able to implement a range of initiatives with sustainability at their core.”
Jeff Silver, Head of ESG at DOC Cleaning
In 2025, our partnership with DOC Cleaning delivered measurable environmental impact:
Based on the top 7 suppliers in the Beyond Cleaning catalogue, DOC Cleaning’s average RSPS score is 76%.
The Beyond Cleaning project demonstrates how SMI can help clients improve sustainability while understanding the impact of their supply chain.
Elizabeth Mellor, Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement, said:
“At SMI, we’re excited to support our customers with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.”
SMI provides tools to give clients the transparency they need.
“Our RSPS supplier scorecard and ESG product icons bring clarity to sustainability performance,” Lizzie adds.
“Our project with DOC Cleaning shows how this can work in practice, and we hope to see this model adopted more widely across our customer base.”
Empower your team, gain full visibility, and streamline procurement.
SMI can help you make sustainability work in practice.
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