Sustainable Uniforms Are So Hot Right Now
Australian consumers are a smart bunch! They’ve evolved over time, going from carefree spenders to conscious consumers. Today, they’re pickier than ever, and they’re not afraid to flex their purchasing power to drive change.
In this era of woke consumerism, brands are reassessing their game plans to sync with these soaring green expectations. But rather than viewing this as a hurdle, brands should see it as a golden ticket to a greener future.
Australia’s Waste Conundrum: A Wake-up Call for Brands
Alas, Australia clinches the unenviable second spot globally for textile disposal, with each Aussie discarding a shocking 23kg of clothing into landfills yearly. Between 2018-19, we banded together to create a mind-boggling 76 million tonnes of waste, a quarter of which was sent straight to the dump.
The cherry on top? A whopping half a million tonnes of that was textiles. With these unsettling stats, it’s no surprise that Australians are consciously leaning towards brands that care for Mother Earth.
Sustainability: The Secret Sauce for Modern Brands
The rise in conscious consumerism isn’t just anecdotal. The proof is in the pudding, or rather, in a recent study from CouriersPlease. The survey found that 90% of Australians are more inclined towards ethically and sustainably produced products. Even more telling, 41% are happy to dig deeper into their pockets to buy such items.
But here’s the kicker: consumers are no fools. They can spot greenwashing a mile away. So, if you’re a brand claiming to be sustainable, you better be ready to show and tell. A whopping 85% of consumers are demanding transparency, eager to know the ‘what’ and ‘how’ behind product manufacturing.
Turning Green Promises into Actions: The Sustainable Uniform Trend
Now, if sustainability scores brownie points with customers, why not let it be the first thing they notice about your brand? Enter: sustainable uniforms. This eco-friendly trend is more than just a fashion statement – it sends a powerful message about your brand’s commitment to green practices, from operations to the supply chain. Plus, there are several ways you can make your work uniforms greener.
Recycled Fibres
Rather than sending waste to landfill, it can be repurposed into hi-tech fibres. US-based manufacturing company, REPREVE, transforms recycled plastic bottles into performance fibres. To date, they’ve diverted almost 27 billion plastic bottles away from landfill and into yarns. At Design To You, we have been proudly using REPREVE in our uniforms for more than five years.
Waste Minimisation
A great way of avoiding unnecessary waste is investing in premium uniforms that deliver on durability and longevity. By making a conscious and informed choice the first time, you’re saving money AND investing in sustainability in the long term, as you won’t need to replace your workwear as often.
Eco-friendly Packaging
Reduce your environmental impact by opting for eco-friendly, recycled or sustainable packaging. Cutting down on plastic in garment packaging – such as clips and plastic collar stays – can significantly reduce single-use plastics in the long run.
Uniform Recycling
Even when it is time to replace your uniforms, old ones don’t always have to go to landfill. Instead, consider upcycling or recycling your pre-loved workwear. Recycling can turn your old uniforms into padding and even ceramic tiles. Or you can donate it to NGOs that provide affordable clothing to communities in need, and in turn, give old clothes a new lease on life. Uniform recycling is a powerful landfill diversion strategy that can minimise waste and bolster your CSR strategy.
At Designs To You, we’re on a quest to weave sustainability into every stitch. We’re aiming to make our entire core uniform range sustainable by 2023. Our vision is not just about eco-friendly fabrics; we’re also aiming to cut back on plastics within our business and supply chain.
The uniform industry is inching towards a greener future, and we’re leading the charge with sustainable and ethical work uniform solutions. We’re committed to helping brands adopt greener practices. As our CEO, Maria Grossi, aptly puts it:
“When it comes to sustainability, the majority of our clients want uniforms that align with their company values and sustainability goals.”
So, join us on this journey towards a greener future. Because when it comes to making a difference, every stitch counts.
