Take a stand. Source responsibly.

Premium outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Rab have made significant changes to their manufacturing processes, turning the tide on plastics by reducing single-use polymers in their clothing.  Known for their commitment to sourcing, manufacturing and distributing ethically and responsibly, these brands have become popular with businesses wishing to give back to our planet, while meeting CSR goals and aligning themselves with their environmentally- and socially-friendly vision. 

Why source corporatewear and workwear responsibly?

• Corporatewear, workwear and promotional apparel from premium outdoor retail brands is great quality. It has to be to survive on the high street! The consumer demands the highest quality garments from these recognised market leaders! Premium brand clothing is designed to last, cutting down the need to replace so frequently, and in turn, cutting down on landfill.  Premium bag brand Eastpak offer a standard 30-year warranty on all their bags which just goes to show the confidence they have in the durability of their product.
  
  
• Premium outdoor brands recognised for their commitment to the conservation of the outdoors actively promote the durability of their clothing and equipment making their products ideal for anyone working outdoors, for the daily commute or even for enduring the air con in the office! Making premium brand clothing for the workplace good value in the long run - you won’t need to keep paying out for promo apparel and workwear event after event.
  
  
• Naturally, being passionate about the outdoors means premium outdoor brands are passionate about the impact of our activities on the outdoors and are devoted to conserving habitats and environments, communities and heritage…
  
  Our premium outdoor brand partners take their corporate responsibilities very seriously ensuring materials are sourced ethically, products are manufactured with people and communities in mind, trade is fair and the carbon footprint kept to an absolute minimum to protect the planet.
  
  
• Premium outdoor brands are leading the war on plastics by continually reviewing and refining their manufacturing processes. The use of recycled polyester in their clothing is on the rise, reducing the impact on air and water resources and wildlife.
  
  One of our most sought-after brands, Patagonia, was the very first outdoor clothing manufacturer to adopt fleece into their product line made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic drinks bottles way back in 1993. 
  
  

  ‘Using recycled polyester lessens our dependence on petroleum as a source of raw materials. It curbs discards, thereby prolonging landfill life and reducing toxic emissions from incinerators. It helps to promote new recycling streams for polyester clothing that is no longer wearable.’

  (https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/recycled-polyester.html)  

  A workwear fleece made from 100% recycled polyester would be welcomed by an increasing number of people affected by the stark images of wildlife struggling to survive in an ocean of plastics, as highlighted in programmes such as Blue Planet.  And would show an employee that the company they work for cares about much more than just their bottom line!
  
  
• Sourcing corporatewear and workwear from premium brands known for their environmental and social conscience helps you to, in part, meet those CSR goals. And aligning your brand with these premium brands through dual-branding let’s everyone know you’re a caring company who shares many of the values of these brands.

Top brands for sustainable clothing and ethical manufacturing?

Our top 5 ‘eco-friendly’ garments perfect for corporatewear and workwear...

1.   Better Sweater from Patagonia

• 100% polyester knitted fleece dyed with a low-impact process that significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional dyeing methods.
• Fabric is certified as bluesign™ approved which means each step in the textile supply chain uses approved chemicals, processes, materials and products that are safe for the environment, safe for workers and safe for customers.
• Fair Trade Certified™ sewn means every purchase sends more money back to factory workers who earn premiums that can be allocated as cash, used for a collective social investment or both.

2.   Down Sweater Jacket from Patagonia

• Durable shell fabric made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International, traced from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure that the birds are not force-fed or live-plucked)

3.   Prism / Prismatic Jacket by Montane

• Using 40g/m2 PrimaLoft® SILVER ECO insulation - an environmentally friendly synthetic insulation, without compromising on warmth and comfort.  Approximately 28 recycled water bottles are used in the production of each kilogram of PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Eco, which averages 6 bottles per finished jacket resulting in 70% recycled fibre technology.
• Durable, effectively diminishing the impacts associated with production, cutting down on landfill in the process.
• Key properties: Mid-loft insulation, warm without bulk, wind and water-resistant, warm when wet and fast drying, highly compressible, breathable, lightweight, packable, superior softness

4.   Microlight Jacket from Rab

• Ideal for any adventure where warmth, weight, and packability are prime concerns. Perfect for hiking, working outdoors in cold conditions and eventing.
• 750FP Ethically-Sourced European Goose Down. The Responsible Down Standard aims to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to an unnecessary harm.
• Rab® Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax® - At Nikwax fluorocarbons (PFCs) are not considered safe for use in the home. They therefore exclude them from all aftercare products.

5.   The North Face Glacier 100 Full Zip Jacket

• Made from Polartec® 100% recycled polyester - providing unwavering core warmth without adding extra weight while making use of used drinks bottles in its manufacture. Recycled polyester has a lower impact on air and water resources than virgin polyester.

To find out more about the full range of clothing, accessories and equipment from our environmentally and socially-friendly premium outdoor brands we can supply, call us on 01270 757890 or email us at sales@theoutdoorscompany.co.uk.