Sustainable & Ethical Uniforms: 4 Questions to Ensure You're Choosing the Right Provider

Choosing a uniform provider is about more than appearance, price, or service—it’s about partnering with a company that aligns with your values. Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible production should be top priorities when selecting a supplier for your business uniforms. But how can you ensure your provider meets these standards? Start by asking these four essential questions.

1. Do You Ensure Fair and Ethical Labour Practices?

Many garments are produced in factories where working conditions vary widely. Unethical practices—such as below-living wages, excessive hours, and unsafe environments—should never be tolerated.

Arrow Uniforms follows a rigorous ethical sourcing process, ensuring all suppliers adhere to internationally recognised standards, including:

Fair Trade Certified – Guarantees fair wages and ethical working conditions.

WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) – Verifies ethical manufacturing practices.

Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) – Promotes responsible business practices in global supply chains.

At Arrow Uniforms, supply chain transparency is non-negotiable. Every garment we produce is made under ethical conditions, ensuring dignity and fairness for all workers.

2. What Health and Safety Policies Govern Your Production?

While New Zealand enforces strict health and safety regulations, many global manufacturing sites do not. Tragic incidents, such as the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, highlight the importance of ethical workplace practices and the need for stringent safety measures.

Reputable uniform suppliers should comply with internationally recognised safety standards, such as:

ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety management certification.

BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) – Ensures fair and safe working conditions.

SA8000 – A leading global social certification for workplace ethics.

At Arrow Uniforms, we prioritise worker well-being and supply chain transparency, ensuring ethical working conditions across all production facilities.

3. Are the Materials You Use Sustainable?

The fashion industry has a significant environmental footprint, and uniforms are no exception. From the chemicals in dyeing processes to the carbon emissions of synthetic fabrics, sustainable material choices can make a major difference.

When evaluating suppliers, ask about environmentally friendly alternatives such as:

Organic cotton – Grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilisers.

Hemp – A resilient, biodegradable fibre with minimal environmental impact.

Recycled polyester – Made from repurposed plastic bottles, reducing landfill waste.

Linen – A natural fibre requiring less water and chemicals to produce.

Reclaimed fabrics – Upcycled textiles that give waste materials a second life.

Sustainability is about more than just materials—it’s about durable, high-quality uniforms designed to stand the test of time. That’s why Arrow Uniforms prioritises long-lasting garments that reduce environmental impact.

4. Are Your Uniforms Designed for Circularity?

A uniform’s impact doesn’t end when it’s discarded. Millions of tonnes of clothing end up in landfills each year, with synthetic fibres taking centuries to decompose.

• Ask your supplier about their approach to circularity:
• Are garments made from recyclable or biodegradable materials?
• Do they offer a uniform take-back or recycling programme?
• Are they designing uniforms for longevity and reuse?

Arrow Uniforms’ AROUND™ Programme is dedicated to extending the lifecycle of uniforms by offering recycling, repurposing, and take-back schemes. Our goal: 75% waste diversion by 2030. 

Our Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Uniforms

At Arrow Uniforms, we take environmental and social responsibility seriously. We are committed to providing uniforms that not only look and perform well but also uphold the highest ethical and sustainability standards. From sourcing eco-friendly fabrics to ensuring fair working conditions, we lead the industry with integrity.

We proudly hold the following certifications:

ISO 9001 – Quality management systems certification.

ISO 14001 – Environmental management certification.

ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety certification.

EcoVadis Bronze – Recognising our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Arrow Uniforms is also committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality with support from EKOS.

The choices we make matter. Let’s champion ethical manufacturing together.

Partner with a supplier that shares your values. Get in touch with our team today to explore sustainable, high-quality uniforms tailored to your business needs.