Sustainable Operations

Sustainability is woven into every facet of our supply chain to minimise our impact on the environment.

We’re using the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to frame our approach to Climate Change and other Sustainable Development issues.
In practical terms, this means we’re engaged in several sustainability initiatives to reduce both our own and our customers’ impact on the environment in tangible, measurable terms.

Amongst these are:

  • 50% reduction in GHG Emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 2030
  • 75% reduction in single use packaging waste by 2030
  • Zero deforestation risk in our supply chain by 2030

Clear & Transparent Roadmap

From 0% landfill policy to sustainable packaging, we’re taking clear steps to protect the environment,

And we’re not stopping there, our initiatives include:

  • Reducing CO2 emissions by 80% through Biofuel-only shipping
  • Preventing customers’ waste from going to landfill by recycling and finding end-uses for the fibres
  • Customer Polygiene Wearer Trials to reduce garment allocation and allow for washing at lower temperatures
  • Working with the Heart of England as “planting guardians” to support the planting of 30,000 acres by 2025
  • Using state-of-the-art machinery to enable zero-waste manufacturing via re-use of fabric offcuts for carpet underlay
Our 10 Point Plan

Your Sustainable Uniform Partner

Sourcing & Supply Chain

Our international auditing and sourcing office allows us to thoroughly vet and audit our supply chain partners to ensure the most sustainable and ethical upstream and downstream operations.

Coupled with our own wholly-owned factory, we have complete visibility and control of our supply chain, allowing us to actively minimise its emissions through a continuous improvement approach.

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Warehouse Robotics

£15m investment in state of the art, sustainability focussed warehouse automation system that reduces emissions per pick by 75, effectively quartering the warehouse emissions associated with every order made through our business.

In addition to ultra-fast picking and reducing returns (which create unnecessary emissions), the automated system reduces emissions per pick by 75% and utilises reuse brake technology for greater efficiency.

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Recycled Workwear

Whether we’re supplying third party garments and fabrics like COOLMAX® technology or our own recycled suiting ranges, we place customers like you at the forefront of sustainable workwear options.

Birchett is made using recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste. A UK industry first, every single part of the garment is recycled, including the:

  • Lining
  • Buttons
  • Labels
  • Packaging

10 Point Climate Plan

1. Recycled & Organic Fabrics

We have been the market leaders in recycled ranges since 2010 and since 2022 have been offering 100% recycled polyester ranges to our customers as part of our climate friendly approach.

2. Electric Courier Vehicles

We’re moving toward carbon neutral logistics plans through our deliberate choice of logistics partners, who are increasingly investing in electric fleets to reduce the emission associated with every delivery.

3. Planting Trees

We’re working closely with the Heart of England Forest. As “planting guardians”, we’re making a pledge to support the planting of 30,000 acres by 2025.

4. Made In The UK

Although we have a global vetted network of global suppliers, our primary approach is UK-based manufacture with in-house embroidery and UK-based fabric mills.

5. 0% Landfill

We already operate a 0% to landfill policy, supporting organisations to re-use and re-recycle.

6. New Technology

Innovations in warehouse automation, technical measuring tools (to reduce returns and therefore emissions), our online ordering portal, and 3D avatar design all contribute to reductions in unnecessary emissions.

7. Supporting Suppliers

We have a vast global network of vetted suppliers who we actively collaborate with on new sustainability initiatives. From end-of-product-life recycling to our own 100% ranges, we work with suppliers to ensure customers have the most sustainable options.

8. Biodegradable Packaging

We have removed plastic hangers across our entire customer base and are actively phasing in biodegradable packaging, with many customers already seeing 100% sustainable garment packaging.

9. Recycled Plastics

Using plastics recovered from the ocean, we can confirm that every ocean-recovered bottle creates 1 zip and 3 buttons in our existing ranges and we’re also using plastic bottles in our recycled fabrics.

10. Towards Net Zero

As a business, we pledge to be Net Zero by 2030 across all operations and logistics. We will achieve this through close partnerships and alignment throughout our entire supply chain and customer base.

Case Study: Stagecoach

Recycling plastic bottles to deliver an award winning uniform to a much loved bus travel company.

See how we redesigned Stagecoach’s uniforms to outfit 19,000 wearers with beautiful workwear that not only captured the essence of their brand, but saved 350k plastic bottles from ending up in landfill.

Read Case Study

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