Eco Explained

Eco Explained

Sustainability is about more than developing eco fabrics; it also includes fair working conditions, minimising packaging and recycling garments.

We all know that sustainability matters, and that eco-products are growing in importance. Indeed, research clearly shows that schools and young people care about how their uniforms are made and they expect their retailers to stock a wider range of eco-products.

But the pace of the development in fabrics and packaging means there’s a complex web of new claims and accreditations to master. With so much new information, it’s vital that we help customers understand what all this means to them.

To help keep you up to speed, we’ve asked Sarah Robins, sustainability manager at Banner, to put together this simple guide to the most important features to look out for – and to shout about too!

Eco Fabrics

By eco fabrics we mean textiles that are made from recycled or bio-degradable materials which are kinder to the planet.

Unfortunately, there are many misleading claims, so make sure you know the basics and can explain how the eco fabrics you stock make a difference to our future environment.

Sustainable fabrics reuse existing materials that minimise waste and environmental impact. In garment manufacture, the recycling of PET plastic bottles is increasingly common but not every eco fabric is the same!

The Global Recycled Standard verifies correct procedures and compliance with strict recycling procedures. Look out for the logo!

Packaging

We know that customers care about waste so at Banner we’ve made sustainable packaging a priority.

As a first step we are drastically reducing single use plastic and by 2025 we plan to have 100% of our packaging made from recyclable materials.

And as retailers, you can make a big difference too...

- Look for ways to reduce plastic bags and other packaging.

- Promote your low packaging credentials alongside sustainable and ethical products.

- Communicate to your schools about your recycling commitments. Communicate to your schools about your recycling commitments.

Packaging represents up to 70% of the plastic waste in the UK and yet less than one quarter is currently recycled – so it’s vital that everyone does their bit to make improvements.

Reuse & Recycle

Two of the best ways to make an eco-difference are to extend the life of garments and recycle them when they are worn out.

This does not need to be too complex or scientific —indeed, retailers are well placed to take simple and effective measures that will build your relationships with schools and parents.

Recycling — Adopt recycling practice in your store and make them visible to customers.

Reuse – Host drop off boxes for pre-used items showing that uniform lasts and that you care about value and minimising waste.

Second-hand sales – Help organise regular sales of quality second hand items, either in your store or at your partner schools.

Ethical Trading

Ethical trading is about “doing the right thing” across the supply chain.

It means that manufacturers, suppliers and retailers take active responsibility for improving the working conditions of the people who make the products they sell.

This includes:

- Treating workers fairly

- Respecting human rights

- Ensuring safe working conditions

- Zero tolerance to child labour

- Living wages for the region

- Abolishing modern slavery