4 minute read
STYLE: SUSTAINABLE STYLE
SUSTAINABLE STYLE
ARE TURNING TO INNOVATIVE UNIFORM SUPPLIERS TO CREATE STYLISH SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL GARMENTS FOR THEIR TEAMS. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.
Hotels that are striving to reduce their environmental footprint can often cut corners when it comes to a crucial aspect of hotel operations – staff uniforms.
For many years, uniforms have been made from synthetic fabrics that can contribute to environmental degradation through resource-intensive production processes, waste, and chemical use.
Now, innovations in the way uniforms are designed, produced, and maintained are shifting the way hotels approach staff apparel.
Dallen Design Creative Director, Paul Fitzpatrick, who has championed sustainable fabrics for well over a decade, says sustainability starts with purchasing.
“For us, it’s always been about manufacturing and delivering garments of a high quality that last the distance,” he said.
“While there is a temptation to purchase inexpensive, off-the-shelf uniforms, in the long run, they just don’t cut it. I really find the whole idea of disposable clothing completely unacceptable.”
Dallen Design sources top quality fabrics to build garments that will go the distance.
“We encourage our clients to order the best possible quality they can afford. It pays off in the long run and limits landfill.
“I visited a client last week whose team members were still wearing our vests from seven years ago.”
When uniforms do eventually reach the end of their lifecycle, Fitzpatrick points to a recycling solution offered by Textile Recyclers Australia, which sees uniforms cleaned and shredded before being upcycled as new fibres.
Fitzpatrick says sustainable fabrics have come a long way in recent years.
“There are some misconceptions that they are either too delicate to withstand the rigours of a hotel laundry, too expensive by comparison, or that they are not sophisticated enough for a fashion uniform,” he said.
“We have been working with mills who limit their impact on the environment during textile production processes and create beautiful, comfortable fabrics that anyone would love to wear.”
Australian uniform brand, Cargo Crew spends over 10,000 hours each year on apparel research and design to ensure safe, sustainable and ethically created fabrics and uniforms.
The business pioneered Fight The Fade fabric – a durable linen-look fabric that it says withstands heavy wear and maintains a fresh look after each wash.
“Our Fight The Fade garments have a longer-thanaverage lifespan, meaning less replacements required and ultimately, less environmental impact,” said Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Felicity Rodgers.
Focused on utilising recycled yarns within its fabrics and avoiding virgin synthetics where possible, the majority of Cargo Crew’s Apron collection is now made using Repreve recycled performance fibre.
“Each of these aprons are made from at least four plastic water bottles and produces fewer carbon emissions compared to virgin polyester,” Rodgers said.
Cargo Crew conducted laboratory and wear trial tests to ensure the durability and washability of the fabric created from the recycled yarns had no impact on the quality of the end product.
The uniform business has partnered with EVT to dress its team across Rydges, QT and Atura properties, as well as its new Ode Hotels collection.
“Across all Rydges sites you’ll find the Tom apron, Cargo Crew’s Oeko Tex certified, recycled polyester apron with vegan leather straps,” said Rodgers.
Oeko Tex standard 100 is a globally recognised certification system that evaluates and regulates textile products for their safety and sustainability.
Staff at the newly launched Melbourne Place boutique hotel are wearing Cargo Crew’s Oeko Tex certified shirting and dresses, alongside aprons from the brand’s Conscious Collection made with their patented, durable Fight The Fade fabric and Repreve recycled polyester.
