Sustainability in Workwear Is More Than a Label
Every brand now markets itself as sustainable. In the workwear sector, this ranges from genuinely recycled-content fabrics to marketing copy that means almost nothing in practice. If sustainability matters to your business — either as a genuine environmental commitment or because your clients expect it — you need to know what to look for and what to ignore.
At Customised Workwear, we stock a growing range of sustainably produced garments. Here’s what actually matters.
Recycled Content: What Certification to Look For
Garments made with recycled polyester (often sourced from PET bottles) carry a meaningful environmental benefit — they divert plastic waste from landfill while producing a durable, high-performance fabric. The certification to look for is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). These independently verify the recycled content percentage in the garment.
Without these certifications, “recycled content” claims can mean anything from 5% to 100% recycled fibre — so the label alone tells you very little.
Organic Cotton: GOTS Certified
Organic cotton workwear, certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), uses cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. The certification covers the entire supply chain, from field to finished garment. GOTS-certified cotton workwear is a genuine sustainability choice for businesses with environmental commitments.
The limitation: GOTS-certified cotton garments are more expensive and the colour and style range is typically narrower than conventional workwear. For businesses where sustainability is a core value rather than a marketing add-on, the premium is justified.
Durability Is the Most Underrated Sustainability Factor
The most sustainable garment is one that lasts. A £12 poly-cotton polo that withstands 200 wash cycles before replacement has a lower lifetime environmental impact than a £8 “eco” garment that degrades in 60 washes. When evaluating workwear options, durability should always be factored into your environmental assessment — not just material sourcing.
This is another reason we advocate for premium workwear for most business applications. Quality embroidered workwear that lasts three or four years has a lower cost per wear, a lower environmental impact per wear, and a better brand representation throughout its life.
Find Sustainable Options in Our Range
Browse our workwear shop for garments with recycled content and organic certifications, or contact us to discuss sustainable workwear options for your next order. Our team can advise on certified options within your budget and garment requirements.