David Snelling, Managing Director of Fristads UK and Ireland shares his insights on how organisations can make a shift in their workwear procurement strategies, in order to reduce costs and drive sustainable purchasing.

Traditionally, workwear has followed a ‘buy, use, discard’ pattern, which has significantly contributed to the growing textile waste problem. As environmental pressures intensify, industries globally are being urged to rethink their consumption habits - and the workwear sector is no exception.

Statistics from The Global Fashion Agenda estimate that 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally each year, with workwear playing a notable part. As sustainability becomes a business imperative, it's time to reconsider the entire lifecycle of workwear – from design to disposal – and set a course for a more sustainable future for the sector.

Here are three steps companies can take to shift towards a more sustainable workwear strategy:

1. Invest in durability for long-term value

The first step in reducing environmental impact is prioritising durable, high-quality workwear. While the upfront cost of sustainable workwear may seem higher, the long-term savings are substantial. High-quality garments have a longer lifespan, which means they need to be replaced less frequently, ultimately reducing waste.

Over time, durable products offer greater value for organisations by decreasing purchase frequency and providing better protection for workers. Investing in high-performance, long-lasting workwear not only helps the environment and contributes towards corporate sustainability targets, but also improves cost-efficiency for businesses.

2. Support a circular economy

Sustainability goes beyond product reduction – it’s about rethinking how workwear is designed, used and ultimately disposed of. Embracing a circular economy means creating garments that can be reused, refurbished or recycled when they reach the end of their life.

To get started, businesses should ensure that the workwear they use is designed with recyclability in mind, using materials that can be processed and reintegrated into the supply chain. Supporting a circular model minimises waste and maximises the value of every garment.

3. Embrace sustainable materials and innovative production methods

Innovation is crucial to making sustainable workwear a reality. Manufacturers are increasingly exploring sustainable materials and production techniques that lower the environmental impact of workwear. These include recycled fibres, eco-friendly dyes and water-saving production processes.

By choosing fabrics made from recycled or sustainable materials, businesses can help reduce textile waste and pollution. Additionally, partnering with manufacturers who prioritise energy-efficient practices and sustainable sourcing strengthens a company’s environmental credentials while delivering high-performance clothing.

Implementing these strategies requires time, dedication and collaboration across an entire business. However, by incorporating these three tips, businesses can start making significant steps towards a more sustainable workwear industry.

Sustainable workwear is more than just a trend – it’s a vital shift that enables businesses to reduce their environmental impact while still fulfilling the performance needs of workers. This transformation paves the way for a new standard in workwear, one that sets a positive example for others to follow.