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.
• 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 gear can lead to a higher turnover, more landfill, and unnecessary resource use.

Switching to eco-friendly workwear can help to:

• Reduce waste with recyclable kit
• Support recycled and responsibly sourced fabrics
• Lower your carbon impact through smarter sourcing
• Cuts down on the use of virgin materials in production

WHAT MAKES WORKWEAR SUSTAINABLE?

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

This means using responsibly sourced materials and ethical production methods.

Plus, garments are designed 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.

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. 
• Shorter supply chains that cut emissions.
• Factories with fair pay and safe conditions.

Don’t forget 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 clear 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.

Here’s how to keep waste down:

• Reuse workwear when safe and compliant.
• Use suppliers with easy returns and recycling.
• Forecast demand with approved product lists.
• Recycle all you can, especially mono-fibre garments.
• Track stock and sizing with smart portals like MY-SMI®.

DID YOU KNOW? SMI offers an end-of-life PPE recycling scheme to help you cut waste.

Don’t bury your workwear. Give it life again with the SMI PPE recycling scheme.

SUSTAINABLE MADE EASY WITH SMI

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

SMI makes it easy with:

• Branded eco options - Fast 2-day dispatch
• 97% stock availability - Supply when you need it
• ROKWEAR® brand advantage - Reliable quality you can trust
• Commitment to excellence - Ethical, high-performing workwear
• Free product trials & expertise - Test comfort, fit, and function before you commit

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.
• Longer-lasting products - tested to withstand 25 washes to ISO 20471 standards.
• Workwear and hi-vis certified to the Global Recycled Standard and to the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)

Explore our compliant and comfortable eco workwear range for more inspo.

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.

With rising pressure from employees, investors, and customers, being sustainable isn’t just the right thing to do.

It also saves time, cuts costs, and boosts your reputation.

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.

Why is sustainability important in the clothing industry?

The clothing industry has a huge environmental footprint - and that includes workwear.

Choosing sustainable uniforms helps:

• Cut emissions
• Reduce landfill waste
• Support fair working conditions

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.