Why Sustainable Workwear Should Be Your Business Standard

Are you debating switching to eco-friendly workwear?

Doing so can help your business:

• Cut waste and emissions.
• Lower water and energy use.
• Reduce microplastic pollution.
• Hit your sustainability targets.

But with so many ‘green’ suppliers online, how do you know who to trust?

Don’t worry, this guide covers: 

• How to make switching easy?
• How to find the right supplier?
• How to reduce workwear waste?
• What makes workwear sustainable?

Let’s break it all down.

BETTER FOR YOUR TEAM. BETTER FOR THE PLANET.

Fast fashion isn’t just a consumer issue.

In the workplace, cheap, disposable workwear means high turnover, more landfill, wasted resources, microplastic pollution, and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Switching to eco-friendly workwear:

• Cuts down on the use of virgin materials to lower your carbon footprint.
• Uses recycled and responsibly sourced fabrics to reduce water and energy use.
• Promotes responsible textile care to reduce microplastic pollution during washing.
• Reduces waste by recycling or recovering up to 90% of PPE, keeping it out of landfill.
• Choose local suppliers and low-emission transport to reduce Scope 3 emissions from inbound logistics.
• Extend product life with eco hi-vis gear that meets a double wash standard, cutting production and energy use.

WHAT MAKES WORKWEAR SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable uniforms are made to protect both the planet and the people who produce them.

It means using:

• Ethical production methods.
• Responsibly sourced materials.
• Garments that are made to be reused or recycled at the end of their life.

MATERIALS

Look for:

• Recycled polyester or reused fibres.
• Clear breakdowns of product materials.
• Organic or Better Cotton-certified cotton.
• Mono-fibre fabrics are easier to recycle.

Avoid: Blended fabrics with a high elastane content, as they’re harder to recycle.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

It’s not just what your workwear is made from that matters - it's how it’s made.

Look for:

• Low water, chemical, and energy use. 
• Fair pay and safe conditions in factories.
• Short, local supply chains to cut emissions from transport.

CHECK FOR THESE CERTIFICATIONS

• OEKO-TEX® - No harmful chemicals in fabrics.
• GOTS - Organic fibres made under strict standards.
• GRS - Recycled materials with responsible production.
• SEDEX - Fair working conditions and transparent supply chains.
• ISO 14001 - Factories working to reduce their environmental impact.

Avoid: Vague claims about ‘green’ or ‘ethical workwear’ with no proof.

 

Need help choosing sustainable uniforms?

Let's chat.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUSTAINABLE SUPPLIER

Find a supplier who makes sourcing sustainable workwear easy.

Here’s what they should offer:

• Full product datasheets.
• End-of-life recycling options.
• Fast, reliable stock availability.
• Recognised sustainability certifications. 
• Certified, EN and ISO-rated safety gear.
• Transparent supply chains and labour practices.

Watch out for these red flags:

• No certifications or sourcing details.
• No details on where and how gear is made.
• No info on what happens at the end of the product's life.

HOW TO REDUCE WORKWEAR WASTE

Even the most eco-friendly uniforms won’t reduce your carbon footprint if they’re over-ordered, under-used, or impossible to return.

Keep waste low by:

• Reusing workwear when safe and compliant.
• Forecasting demand with approved product lists.
• Recycling all you can, especially mono-fibre garments.
• Using suppliers with easy returns and recycling options.
• Tracking stock and sizing with smart portals like MY-SMI®.

DID YOU KNOW?

Around 90% of PPE waste is recycled or recovered to keep it out of landfill. Most safety footwear cannot be recycled, but is recovered through specialist schemes to avoid landfill and reduce environmental harm.

SMI’s recycling scheme helps you give your old gear a second life, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

SUSTAINABLE MADE EASY WITH SMI

Ready to make the switch to sustainable work clothing, but without the hassle?

SMI makes it easy with:

• 97% stock availability, supply when you need it.
• ROKWEAR® brand, reliable quality you can trust.
• Commitment to ethical, high-performing workwear.
• Branded eco options, fast 2-day dispatch on stocked lines.
• Free product trials and expert advice, test comfort, fit, and function before you buy.

AT SMI, WE MAKE IT SIMPLE

We support you with ECOROKWEAR®. Workwear built to endure, and designed to sustain.

Here’s what you get:

• Fully transparent product scope data.
• Up to 51.5% less CO₂ emissions (estimated).
• Post-consumer open-loop recycled materials.
• Workwear and hi-vis certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and to the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
• Garments proven to withstand up to 50 washes based on ISO 20471. (See label on garment for exact washes tested to.)

Explore our compliant and comfortable eco workwear range!

NEED ADVICE OR HELP? 

Chat with our friendly team today or ask for a free trial.

FAQs

Why has being sustainable become so important for businesses?

Want to stay ahead of the competition? Investing in sustainable uniforms shows customers you’re responsible as well as helping to hit environmental targets.

With rising pressure from employees, investors, and customers, being sustainable isn’t just the right thing to do - it's a must.

Why are sustainable work practices beneficial for workplaces?

Sustainable gear reduces waste through recycling, cuts your carbon footprint, saves money, and helps keep your business running smoothly.

Plus, it shows your commitment to transparency with customers, investors, and partners!

Why is sustainability important in the clothing industry?

The clothing industry has a huge environmental footprint - creating10% of the world’s carbon emissions through resource-heavy processes.

Choosing sustainable uniforms helps:

• Cut emissions from greenhouse gases
• Reduce landfill waste and the production of methane
• Support fair working conditions and production methods

Can I get branded, eco-friendly uniforms?

Yes. SMI makes sustainable branding easy!

We offer branded eco-uniforms that are durable, comfortable, and dispatched fast. 

Check out the ECOROKWEAR® range, which is made from predominantly recycled fabrics.

Or, discover our top tricks and tips for ethical uniform branding.