Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the corporate world and an essential factor in companies’ decision-making. The truth is that, in recent years, the concern with finding sustainable suppliers has stopped being a market differentiator and has become a requirement. And in the uniform industry, it’s no different.

Here at Ideal Work, we are pioneers when it comes to sustainability. Sustainable design is part of our entire production cycle, from choosing materials to product disposal.

In this article, we’ll show you what sustainable design is and why it’s important to apply this concept when creating environmentally responsible uniforms. Let’s go!

The importance of sustainable design in corporate uniforms

First, we can understand sustainable design, or ecodesign, as the goal of developing products and services that meet not only sustainability principles, but also social responsibility and governance.

This means sustainable design is connected to the three ESG pillars: environmental, social and corporate governance. While many people associate sustainability only with the environmental sphere, the truth is that the three pillars are interconnected. Responsible production considers the social, environmental and economic impacts of all activities, from raw material selection to the production process, risks, and even the consequences of improper disposal.

Stakeholders and shareholders are increasingly concerned with this topic, including companies, suppliers and end consumers. A survey published by Valor Investe shows that 94% of Brazilians expect companies to take action on ESG topics.

Given this scenario, more than ever, we “wear the sustainability jersey” and contribute to our country’s sustainable growth. Choosing sustainable corporate uniforms not only helps your company stand out in the market and send the right message to employees and customers, but also contributes to building and strengthening a fairer and more equal future for everyone.

Choosing eco-friendly materials for uniforms

The first step toward an environmentally responsible uniform is choosing materials, prioritizing eco-friendly options. In other words, using mostly sustainable raw materials—those with minimal impact on the environment and society.

Besides being less polluting, these materials have production methods that are less harmful and aggressive to the ecosystem. This includes PET-based fabrics, BCI cotton, or fabrics sourced from circularity—these last two are widely used in uniform manufacturing here at Ideal Work.

According to estimates, nearly 60% of clothing produced worldwide contains plastic in its production. By choosing fabrics made from recycled PET plastic packaging, it’s possible to create garments with synthetic fibers that are practical, comfortable, and easier to dispose of at the end of their life cycle.

This way, sustainable design becomes an element present throughout the uniform’s entire process, from manufacturing to material reuse.

Another example is BCI cotton, an international certification used by producers of sustainably grown cotton. The main goals are to reduce water use in cultivation, improve conditions for rural workers and ensure transparency across the supply chain.

The Better Cotton Initiative works to improve global cotton production for all stakeholders—from producers and their communities to suppliers, manufacturers, brands and society as a whole.

In addition, specific sustainable cultivation conditions ensure higher quality than other market suppliers. The result is sustainable garments, with raw materials rooted in social responsibility, combining comfort and practicality for your team.

And we couldn’t leave out Ecowork, an exclusive fabric from the circular economy, the result of two years of research and exhaustive testing. Ecowork has sustainability in its DNA and is the only fabric for professional uniforms sourced from a circular economy, a process in which waste returns to become the same product it originally was.

The result is a fabric combining recycled fibers, cotton and polyester, delivering thermal comfort, durability, color fastness—within a sustainable design. Learn more about this solution here.

These are just some of the options available for developing environmentally responsible and sustainable uniforms. It’s important to remember that choosing the ideal raw material is only the first step; after that, you must also ensure sustainability throughout the entire manufacturing and logistics process.

Finally, proper uniform disposal is essential for companies that want to be responsible and reduce their environmental impact.

At Ideal Work, we are committed to providing an appropriate destination for uniforms at the end of their useful life and/or when they are no longer in use—properly decharacterizing them so as not to expose any brand and complying with all waste disposal regulations, helping preserve the environment.

Is your company’s uniform aligned with sustainability?

If ESG is an important value for your company, you need to communicate it far beyond reports and stakeholders. Sending the right message to your employees and customers is a constant effort that should be present at all times.

The best way to show that sustainability is truly an important value for your company is to wear the jersey—literally!

If your company also has sustainability at its core and wants to make a difference in the world, we are the ideal choice to create sustainable and environmentally responsible uniforms!

We work side by side with our clients to understand their needs and the real-world situations where each garment will be used, building an ideal uniform model that fits every area or department.

Through a personalized and sustainable end-to-end service, we create different types of quotations, considering color choices, fabrics, style, and the requirements of each job and function. This strengthens brand identity and company characteristics, while ensuring greater comfort and protection for employees.

Click here to get in touch and learn how Ideal Work can help develop the best uniform for your company’s needs while respecting and preserving the environment.