The Next Generation

Banner’s Marketing Director Dean Plant talks to the students of Eaton Primary School.

If we believe that concern for the environment is of interest only to adults and organisations, we should think again. The current generation of young people are making it clear that sustainability matters to them—and it matters a lot! Inspired by activists like Greta Thunberg, and informed by their parents, their schools and their lifestyles, they want to see action that makes a difference, and they want to be part of the change.

These are the messages that came over loud and clear when Dean Plant, Group Marketing Director at Banner, visited two schools to talk about sustainability and explain the changes on the horizon for school uniforms and sportswear.

‘The interest and enthusiasm is palpable,’ says Dean. ‘What struck me most was how aware these young people are, not only by the depth of their questions, but also through their practical experience. In a sense it’s obvious, but we can easily forget that this generation has grown up with recycling and wider environmental awareness as part of their daily life.’

At St James’ Catholic High School, Dean presented to students from the school student council and eco-club. Questions ranged from the use of renewable energy and UK manufacturing plants, to recycling materials, packaging and even equality and opportunity in the workplace. ‘I can honestly say, I’ve not received many challenges like this outside of the boardroom; it was fantastic to hear the concerns of these young people, and I learned a great deal about their attitudes to change, and the action they want us to take.’

It’s clear that recycling is top of the agenda. The students at St James’ wanted a circular economy with the minimum of waste going to landfill. They were aware of the importance of packaging and worried about impacts on bio-diversity as well as the need to reduce carbon emissions. Shopping locally was highlighted too, as was minimising transportation and finding ways to reuse quality uniform that had seen little wear.

‘Providing information is going to be vital,’ says Dean. ‘It was good to answer their questions, but we need to do that at the point of sale too. The students say they want better labelling so they can make informed choices, and they want branding that makes clear that garments are produced to high sustainability standards.’ A number of students talked of the changes they’d made at home, such as turning off appliances, using LED lighting and recycling products. ‘We want our uniforms to reflect our lifestyle and our values,’ said one member of the eco-club.

Sustainability aspirations are not confined to older pupils. Indeed, as Dean’s visit to Eaton Primary School confirmed, the next generation is even more aware.

‘Speaking to primary school children you realise these youngsters have grown up with a concern for the environment. From washing out yoghurt pots to reusing shopping bags, or even their parents driving hybrid cars, they are accustomed to thinking about the impacts of what we do and what we buy.’

Dean asked the younger pupils to design a school uniform they would be proud to wear. ‘It was interesting that they didn’t just look at style; some even talked of cool wash temperatures. They all wanted a logo to say that the uniform was eco-friendly.’

The need for clearer labelling is high on Banner’s agenda. ‘We have some exciting developments coming soon,’ says Dean, ‘including new eco-branding and information packs to help retailers inform parents and schools.’ We’ll be launching these lines soon and giving all the details in a future edition of Insight. We’re also committed to replacing all single use plastic by the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, we know that schools are keen for more information and interaction with their partners on uniform. ‘One action we took away was to prepare packs that will help our retailers to visit classes and talk about sustainability in schoolwear,’ explains Dean. ‘The teachers I have been speaking to have all said it’s an excellent way to engage students in an issue that matters to them.’

That word, and the associated sentiment—that sustainability matters—keeps coming up, time and again. In many ways, it shouldn’t be a surprise, for we’re talking about uniforms that pupils wear every day and which their schools see as a reflection of their values. But perhaps most importantly, it’s got be a great opportunity to work together, and build partnerships that are long lasting and sustainable too.

Students at Eaton Primary School sharing their designs for an eco uniform