Keeping it simple & sustainble!

For many schoolwear retailers, putting together a sustainability strategy can seem like a mountain to climb.

Where do you start? What’s the best way to go? And how long will it take to get there?

‘Faced with so many questions it’s no surprise that some customers feel overwhelmed at the prospect,’ says Sarah Robins, Sustainability Manager at Banner. “I regularly get enquiries from retailers wanting to do the right thing, but who are worried that it all feels a bit ‘corporate’ and removed from the role they play.”

“Retailers want a plan that’s appropriate and relevant to them not just hollow phrases that have little relevance to their customers and schools.”

The good news is that being a small enterprise is no barrier to taking professional approach. Local businesses can be nimble in the way they work, says Sarah, and they’re especially well placed to work with their communities.

But with the new education act coming into force Sarah claims it’s important that every retailer is clear on the commitments and contribution they can make. The key to a good strategy she says is keeping things simple, and not setting unrealistic or inauthentic goals.

Banner’s research shows that schools are asking for more detailed sustainability information. They want their retailers to be active in four areas: high ethical standards, responsible sourcing of products that are made from sustainable fabrics, provenance of products and strong environmental practices and policies.

Energy usage and carbon neutrality; the ethical sourcing of products; community involvement; and recycling and reuse schemes.

With this in mind, we asked Sarah to recommend a sustainability template for smaller retailer to follow.

1. Responsible Suppliers

• Stock garments from leading schoolwear suppliers with strong ethical standards.

• Check for policies on your supplier websites (eg Ethical Trading Statement, Modern Slavery Transparency Statement, Anti- Bribery and Anti-Corruption statement).

• Look for any accreditations or standards achieved for social and ethical compliance.

2. Eco Products

• Stock eco alternatives across all key ranges – the availability of recycled fabrics is growing every year.

• Promote wash tested and cool wash garments.

• Remember young people want to feel good about what they wear – so promote your eco credentials.

3. Energy and Carbon Emissions

• Reduce energy consumption with LED lighting and low energy appliances.

• Signing up to renewable energy providers - a simple way to help reduce carbon emissions.

• Monitor and measure your consumption and target year on year reductions.

4. Packaging

• Can you find ways to reduce packaging and use recyclable materials wherever possible?

• At Banner we are working to eliminate single use plastic packaging from our supply chain with 50% recycled content in our packaging by 2022 and 100% sustainable packaging by 2025.

• Can you join us in working to our targets or set similar goals?

5. Community - Giving it back

• Support community activities and encourage staff to take time in the community too.

• Forge links with your partner schools and support their community goals.

• Have a community notice board for say, second hand uniform and sports equipment and sponsorship support for school/community teams.

6. Recycle and Reuse

• Get the basics right by adopting good recycling practices in your store.

• Host drop-off boxes for second hand uniform that helps with reuse and show that uniform lasts.

• Holding a second hand uniform sale can be a great way to boost your reputation—and actually helps new business long term.