Sustainable Clothing & Responsible Production

Sustainable clothing has become far more accessible in recent years. Many of the garments now used for everyday workwear, uniforms and team clothing are produced using recycled materials, more transparent supply chains and longer-lasting construction - often with little or no cost difference compared to standard alternatives.

We work with suppliers whose sustainable clothing ranges are now part of their core collections. For many businesses, choosing a more sustainable garment is no longer a specialist decision - it’s simply a matter of knowing where to start.

Because we work with sustainable garments as part of our everyday offering, we’re able to advise on options that balance durability, availability and cost - rather than presenting sustainability as an upgrade or add-on.

The journey from material source to the end user is more direct with emphasis to reduce packaging and waste in all areas.

Common fabrics used in sustainable workwear

Organic cotton

Organic cotton garments are made using cotton grown without conventional pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, helping to reduce the environmental impact of cotton farming.

For businesses, organic cotton offers the same comfort, durability and decoration performance expected from everyday items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and tote bags.

Now widely adopted by established manufacturers, organic cotton is available at competitive prices, making it a practical, mainstream choice rather than a specialist option.

Recycled Polyester

Clothing made from recycled polyester utilises end-of-life materials such as plastic bottles, food packaging, and even ocean waste, giving them a second life.

For businesses, recycled polyester offers strong durability, shape retention and colour performance, making it well suited to items such as workwear, jackets, fleeces and sportswear.

Now widely used across established garment ranges, recycled polyester provides a practical, cost-effective option for organisations looking to reduce impact without compromising on performance or availability.

Durability and long-term value

We focus on garments that are designed to perform well over time, maintaining their shape, colour and finish through regular wear and washing. Clothing that is built to a higher standard typically lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacement and offering better long-term value.

Many sustainable and recycled garments place an emphasis on durability and consistency. When choosing workwear or uniforms, it’s worth considering features such as:

  • Pre-shrunk fabrics to help garments retain their fit
  • Colour-fast treatments to reduce fading
  • Anti-pill finishes to minimise bobbling

Garments that hold their shape and comfort over time tend to stay in use longer, benefiting both your budget and overall garment lifecycle.

Why sustainable clothing matters to businesses

With more businesses pledging to reduce their environmental impact and take steps to make their practices more eco-friendly, a switch to sustainable garments could be a simple and effective move in the right direction.

Sustainable clothing doesn't compromise on quality and can be more affordable than you think.

It's an important story to tell as part of your brand messaging and with a growing trend of customers and employees seeking out eco-friendly businesses with sustainable credentials, aligning to those values may help your organisation appeal to future generations.

How sustainability shapes our processes

At South Coast Embroidery we aim to uphold sustainable working practices throughout our day-to-day operations. Where possible, packaging received from suppliers is reused, and any additional packaging is selected with recyclability or compostability in mind.

To reduce unnecessary transport and handling, orders are batched wherever practical, and production is managed carefully to minimise errors and material waste. We’re also committed to offering sustainable garment options where they align with a customer’s requirements, helping businesses make informed choices without compromising on suitability or performance.

For printing, we use OEKO-TEX® certified inks that have been tested to ensure they do not contain substances harmful to human health or the environment. As materials, processes and standards continue to develop, we regularly review how we work and make changes where meaningful improvements can be made

Sustainable options are available across a wide range of product types.

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If you’d like help choosing the right garment, you can get in touch for advice.

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