SUSTAINABLE WORKWEAR - A GUIDE TO OUR ECOSWAPS

Want to shrink your business’s carbon footprint but unsure where to start? 

Swap to sustainable workwear - it’s easier than you think.

Less waste. Lower emissions. Same comfort and durability. No compromises.

Eco workwear supports both the people who make it and the people who wear it.

Plus, it helps your business meet its:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals

From sustainable fabrics and ethical standards to eco swaps, this guide has it all.

THE PROBLEM WITH NON-SUSTAINABLE WORKWEAR

The true impact of traditional uniforms and PPE might surprise you.

Here’s what non-sustainable workwear can cost the planet and people:

• Toxic chemicals - Harsh dyes poison waterways and ecosystems
• Textile waste - Low-quality fabrics wear out quickly and end up in landfill
• Unfair labour - Suppliers cut costs with poor working conditions and low pay
• High emissions - The production of nylon and polyester produces significant CO₂
• Short-lived PPE - Poorly made workwear wears out fast and ultimately costs more
• Microplastics - Synthetic fibres shed when washed, polluting oceans and our food chains

WHAT IS ETHICAL WORK CLOTHING?

Ethical work clothing is designed to care for our planet and its people. 

It’s made with:

• Reuse or recycling in mind
• Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly choices
• Recycled, organic, and long-lasting fabrics 
• Fair pay and safe working conditions, audited against recognised standards (SA8000, Fair Wear Foundation)

It should always be safe, comfortable, and durable - without compromising on sustainability.

HOW DO YOU FIND SUSTAINABLE WORK CLOTHING?

Swapping to sustainable uniforms is easy when you know how.

Avoid: 

• Non-recyclable or non-biodegradable fabrics
• Unclear supply chains and production methods
• Fast fashion factories with poor labour practices
• Companies that make sustainability claims without proof

Choose:

• Closed-loop production methods that reduce waste
• Brands that openly share how and where items are made
• Materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo
  

Look for suppliers who back up their claims with full-scope sustainability reporting and transparent supply chains.  

AT SMI, WE MAKE IT EASY

We’re proud to offer ECOROKWEAR®, our own brand eco-friendly range.

The range offers:

• Post-consumer open loop recycled materials
• Full product scope data and measurable ESG reporting
• Global Recycled Standard (GRS) workwear and hi-vis clothing
• Supplier audits and traceable supply chains for ethical compliance
• Workwear that lasts longer with double the industry wash standard
• Up to an estimated 51.5% less CO₂ across production and transport

Everyday Earth, our eco-focused catalogue, brings all this together with full-scope sustainability reporting for complete transparency.

WHAT FABRICS ARE ECO-FRIENDLY?

Some fabrics are more sustainable than others. Here’s a quick guide.

IS COTTON SUSTAINABLE?

It depends on the type:

• Conventional cotton uses lots of water and pesticides.
• Organic cotton uses 60–90% less water and fewer harmful chemicals.
• Recycled cotton reuses fabrics, reducing water, energy, emissions, and landfill waste.

Organic and recycled cotton have a lighter carbon footprint and are better choices.

 

IS ACRYLIC SUSTAINABLE?

No. Acrylic is tough on the planet because it:

• Can’t be recycled
• Is made from petroleum
• Pollutes oceans and food chains with microplastics

Recycled polyester performs better and has a smaller carbon footprint.

IS LEATHER SUSTAINABLE?

No. Leather has a heavy carbon footprint because:

• It relies on harsh chemicals for tanning
• Production uses large amounts of water, energy, and land resources

If you need leather, consider:

• Plant-based alternatives made from pineapple leaves, cork, apple waste, or cactus
• Responsibly sourced leather from farms prioritising animal welfare and lower emissions

WHAT ARE ETHICAL STANDARDS?

If you’re looking to use sustainably sourced uniforms for your team, you need a supplier with strong ethical standards.

Ask yourself:

• Are they transparent about where and how gear is made?
• Can they provide verifiable ESG and lifecycle data for products?
• Do they have effective environmental policies to reduce carbon and water footprints?
• Do they provide fair wages and safe working conditions, audited by recognised standards?
• Do they hold recognised certifications like ISO, EN compliance, Fair Trade, or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

DID YOU KNOW? Our eco-friendly workwear comes with a data sheet detailing every manufacturing step.

Our Responsible Sustainable Partner Strategy (RSPS) ensures every stage of the supply chain is ethical, transparent, and measurable.

ECOSWAPS: SWITCHING TO SUSTAINABLE WORK CLOTHING

Not all sustainable work clothing is created equal.

Always look for eco-friendly uniforms that are:

• Comfortable enough for all-day wear
• Made from certified and traceable materials
• Durable enough to handle tough jobs and frequent washes

At SMI, our ECOROKWEAR® range makes eco-swaps simple. It’s safe, comfortable, and durable - all designed with sustainability in mind.

Everyday Earth is our eco-focused catalogue featuring workwear, hi-vis, safety footwear, hand protection, and more. All with full-scope sustainability reporting for full transparency.

Browse the full catalogue to find your next eco-swap.

Need a little advice?

Chat with our friendly team today!

SHOP OUR FAVOURITES:

ECOROKWEAR® MILLAND softshell jacket

• 270 GSM material
• Triple-stitched major seams
• Open-loop recycling materials
• Water resistant and comfortable
• 97% GRS certified recycled polyester, 3% elastane

ECOROKWEAR® GREATHAM polyester polo shirt

• 160 GSM material
• Lightweight and soft
• Triple-stitched major seams
• An estimated 51.5% less CO2
• Open-loop recycling materials
• 100% GRS-certified recycled polyester 

ECOROKWEAR® DUNCTON hi-vis polyester polo shirt

• 150 GSM material
• 50 certified wash cycles
• Estimated 51.5% less CO2
• Triple-stitched major seams
• 100% GRS certified recycled polyester
• Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable

ECOROKWEAR® NEWBURY hi-vis cargoflex ballistic trousers

• 240 GSM material
• Open Loop Recycling materials
• Heavy-duty, anti-snag, and modern
• 45% RCS certified recycled polyester, 55% cotton
• Oxford weave curved ballistic panels for excellent cut protection

Want to find the right eco-swap for your team?

Browse the full range!

HOW TO RECYCLE WORK CLOTHING 

What happens to your company’s workwear when it reaches the end of its life?

If it ends up in a landfill, consider recycling your used uniforms.

Recycling helps by:

• Cutting waste and emissions 
• Closing the loop on circular production models

PARTNER WITH SMI

Did you know you can recycle your PPE with us?

Divert waste from landfill with the SMI Recycling Scheme.

It’s an affordable and simple way to safely dispose of your workwear.

From textiles and PPE to safety helmets and boots, we help you recycle your workwear and reduce your carbon footprint.

Simply wash it, box it, ship it. 

SUSTAINABLE WORKWEAR SOLUTIONS, MADE SIMPLE BY SMI

Choosing sustainable workwear and PPE doesn’t need to be confusing. 

Here’s how we make it easy:

• 97% stock availability
• Maximum 3-hour response time
• Full inclusive and eco-friendly ranges
• 5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery
• Own delivery fleet in key regions for extra reliability

Make your uniform part of the solution, not the problem.

Want to brand your sustainable work clothing?
Check out our top tricks and tips for uniform branding.

Need advice or help? 

Chat with our friendly team today or explore the full ECOROKWEAR range!

FAQs

What is the meaning of eco-clothing?

Eco-clothing is made using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and practices.

It includes:

• Ethical labour – fair wages and safe working conditions 
• Sustainable materials – like organic cotton or recycled fibres
• Eco-friendly manufacturing – reducing waste and emissions

What material is eco?

Eco-friendly materials include:

• Organic cotton
• Bamboo and hemp
• Recycled polyester
• Plant-based leather
• Responsibly sourced wool

What is ecowear?

Ecowear is clothing designed to have a lower environmental impact.