WHAT MAKES CLOTHING SUSTAINABLE?
In today's era of heightened environmental awareness, making the switch to eco-friendly garments presents a simple yet impactful way for businesses to reduce the ecological footprint of their uniform or brand apparel.
However with a vast array of sustainable options available, you might be wondering what makes an item of clothing truly "sustainable"? Is it better to go for organic materials or recycled ones? That's where we come in. As advocates for sustainability and champions of effortless service, we're here to guide you through the intricacies of sustainable clothing, helping you find the perfect fit for your branding needs.
Sustainable clothing refers to garments created with materials and methods that reduce environmental harm and support ethical practices across the entire supply chain. This includes careful attention to how materials are sourced, the ways in which clothes are produced, and considerations for their disposal or reuse at the end of their life cycle.
When looking for sustainable clothing you may think of organic or recycled fabrics. But what are they, and what positive impact do they have?
Organic materials are simply those grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Cultivating organic cotton ensures that no harmful chemicals flow into the soil or into adjoining rivers, lakes or seas. This means that the water used for organic farming is not considered as lost water, as it can be used again and can safely return to the soil and other water sources. The overall positive effect on water, soil and biodiversity means that the well-being and livelihood of cotton farmers and their communities is respected and protected.
As well as cotton, organic linen, hemp, and bamboo are gaining popularity for their sustainable attributes.
DID YOU KNOW? A garment is classed as organic if the organic content is at least 95% of the product weight.
Recycled fabrics can be crafted from pre or post-consumer waste, diverting materials from landfills and reducing the need for virgin resources.
RECYCLED COTTON: PRE-CONSUMER WASTE
Clothing manufacturers Stanley/Stella use 100% organic cotton in their Iconics 2.0 collection. They then use their own cutting waste to create garments in their RE range, minimising waste from their production process.
RECYCLED POLYESTER: POST-CONSUMER WASTE
Recycled polyester is another popular material for sustainable clothing and is often found in jackets, gilets and coats.
Using post-consumer PET bottles to create recycled polyester not only makes use of single use plastics that would otherwise go to landfill, it also provides considerable energy savings in the manufacturing process compared to non-recycled polyester.
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Garments made from a single type of material instead of a blend of different materials are known as mono materials. This uniformity in composition makes mono materials, such as 100% cotton significantly easier to recycle at the end of their lifecycle.
When garments are made from mixed materials, separating these different fibers for recycling can be complex, costly, and sometimes unfeasible, often leading to the garment being sent to a landfill. In contrast, mono-material items can be more straightforwardly processed and transformed into new products, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with the production of new materials.
When considering the sustainability of your brand apparel or uniform, quality is a key factor. Opting for garments crafted with durability in mind ensures that they stand the test of time. Investing in pieces made to last not only minimises the need for frequent replacements but also reduces resource consumption, waste and costs.
Choosing quality garments for brand apparel and uniforms also enhances the overall experience for customers and colleagues alike.
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In the realm of branded clothing and uniforms, there's a wealth of sustainable options available, spanning from organic to recycled fabric garments. Our team of apparel experts is poised to assist in curating a sustainable collection tailored to your specific needs. Through our network of preferred suppliers, we meticulously source garments crafted from organic or recycled materials, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of sustainability. What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and accountability. Not only do we provide access to a range of eco-friendly textiles, but we also offer insights into the impact of your sustainable choices. By tracking metrics such as the number of plastic bottles diverted from landfills, we provide visibility into the tangible benefits of your environmentally conscious decisions. With us, you can dress your brand in garments that not only reflect your values but also make a measurable difference in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
DID YOU KNOW? 1 of our recycled polyester suits prevents 45 plastic bottles from reaching landfill or oceans.
At Infinity Inc. our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the garments we source. At every stage of our production, we are dedicated to weaving in eco-conscious processes, ensuring that our operations align with our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Our Leeds-based headquarters has solar panels installed on the roof, so we can harness clean energy to power our production processes.
- We use recycled threads and water-based inks to brand garments to minimise our ecological footprint.
- In 2023 we delivered 2418 orders via electric vehicle to reduce emissions.
These are just some of the environmental initiatives that make up our ESG Strategy. Discover the positive impact we made in 2023 here.
If you're considering transitioning to more sustainable branded apparel or uniforms for your business, we're here to help.
Our expert team is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way. Whether you're seeking eco-friendly fabrics, recycled materials, or sustainable production methods, we have the knowledge and resources to guide you toward the best options for your needs. Get in touch with us today, and let us help you make the switch to a more environmentally conscious approach to your company's attire.