Sustainability, and eco-friendly get thrown around a lot in every aspect of life. Regardless of if it's in your business or from your personal life, the words sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly can cause a lot of confusion and make you stop and wonder, "What does sustainability really mean for my business?"

What Is Sustainability?

Asking Google what the definition of sustainability is, is one of those questions that you type and get five million differently worded answers, but they're all trying to say the same thing;

Sustainability simply put, is art of providing the needs for yourself for today, whilst protecting the needs of those in the future.

So, why does sustainability matter, especially in the world that we live in?

Everyone, when asked; "What do YOU think would save the environment?" are greeted with the same thoughts, my core values and opinions are different from yours. What I believe is necessary for sustainability in the future will not be exactly what you believe there is a need to do.

Some examples of ways to create a more sustainable future involve; every person receiving a fair living wage; al workers operating in fair and safe working conditions; erasing fast fashion; and changing to vegan items and garments to name a few. But, out of that list, what stands out to you to be the most that provokes thought for change? I can almost guarantee that it's different for everyone, and similarly every business that strives for sustainability will not be the same.

There is so much happening in the world that the meaning behind being sustainable is ever growing and always changing, but one thing is for certain - being sustainable comes from making small changes but meaningful changes everyday.

Sustainable Workwear and Fashion

Coming from a workwear brand, we're now more than ever realising the importance of maintaining a sustainable business, especially with the workwear we wear and supply. Customers and consumers are becoming more and more aware of what it means to buy from a company that cares for the environment.

Due to popular misconception, the term "Sustainable Fashion" is not limited to just how much is produced of a garment, but also who produces it, and the lifespan of a product before it goes into landfill. Sustainable fashion encourages fabrics and garments that are being produced to have little or no effect on the environment or its workers, so why should purchasing workwear be any different to your regular clothing?

Luckily workwear brands are realising the potential there is for creating a garment that saves and protects the environment whilst providing its wearer with an item of clothing that is designed to last and is fit for purpose.

Eco-friendly workwear from brands such as Regatta and Result offer their own 'Honestly Made' and 'Recycled' garments which are created from plastic bottle waste. This is a great step in the start of sustainable workwear, with Result boasting as of November 2021 they have stopped over 3.5 million 1 litre plastic bottles go to landfill from their efforts.

The world of sustainable workwear and fashion is ever growing, and it's all the more important to increase this sustainability awareness in your business.

How Does Being Sustainable Benefit My Business?

Aside from offering high-quality garments that protect not only yourself and the environment, there are a number of ways that wearing sustainable workwear, and becoming a sustainable business can benefit you for the future. From lowering running costs and pleasing your shareholders, here are some ways that sustainability can benefit your business.

Brand Perception

With more consumers opting to purchase an eco-friendly option in their day to day life, purchasing from a business is no different. A survey from YouGov found that 52% of UK Adults they surveyed were influenced by a brands eco-credentials, with 21% of Adults ending business with a company or specific brand if they have environmental concerns. Not only does being eco-friendly and sustainable benefit the environment but it can also increase sales and the perception and reputation of your business with potential clients.