Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities are longer niche – they're business critical. Yet, uniform procurement is still too often overlooked in ESG planning. It shouldn't be. Uniforms are worn every day. They're visible, brand-aligned, and people-focused. This makes them a natural extension of any ESG strategy – if you know what to look for. Environmental Impact: Choose Materials That Go Further The environmental footprint of uniform begins with what they're made from. Choosing sustainable fibres – such as Repreve® recycled polyester, which is produced from post-consumer PET bottles – helps lower carbon emissions and reduce reliance on virgin materials. According to Repreves manufacturer, each kilogram of Repreve® reuses the equivalent of approximately 45 plastic bottles and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 63% compared to virgin polyester. Material choice is only part of the equation. Construction and longevity matter, too. Garments built with high-durability stitching, reinforced stress points, and low-impact dyes not only last longer – they reduce the need for frequent replacement, which further minimises waste. End-of-life is the final frontier. Arrow's AROUND® recycling programme offers a closed-loop solution that turns retired uniforms into new textile resources. Organisations that participate in AROUND® can reduce GHG emissions by 3.5kg for every 1kg of uniforms recycled, compared to landfill disposal. That's the kind of carbon reduction that adds up quickly across a large team. Social Responsibility: Design for People, Respect the Supply Chain Uniforms should reflect the needs of people who wear them. That means offering inclusive fits across petite, tall, and extended sizes, with thoughtful tailoring for comfort and confidence. It also means designing options that respect religious and cultural needs – for example: Long-sleeved tops or tunics Matching hijabs or head coverings Garments that prioritise modesty or layering Adaptive fits for diverse mobility requirements Designing with inclusion in mind signals respect and enhances wellbeing. It reinforces unity and belonging across your workforce. Ethical sourcing is just as important. Ensure your uniform supplier upholds fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and verifiable compliance with both local and international standards. Arrow's supply chain is guided by a formal Ethical Sourcing Policy, supported by third-party audits, long-standing partnerships, and transparency from fibre to finish. Governance: Traceability, Accountability, and Assurance Uniform procurement can be a meaningful contributor to ESG reporting – if the process is documented well. Ask your supplier whether they provide: Traceability of raw materials and production locations Certifications for sustainability, ethical labour, or chemical safety Audit-ready documentation to support procurement compliance At Arrow, these elements are standard. We ensure clients can meet procurement governance requirements with confidence and clarity, backed by transparent sourcing and reliable supply chain records. Brand Integrity: Wear What You Stand For Uniforms don't just serve a function – they carry your brand in every interaction. More than ever, staff and customers want to work with organisations that act responsibly. Uniforms that reflect ethical and sustainable values reinforce your integrity, every day. When aligned with your ESG goals, uniforms become more than garments. They become statements of care, accountability, and leadership. Clothes that care.

In a world where sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity, every uniform matters. As businesses face growing pressure to reduce waste and embrace more ethical operations, workwear is emerging as a surprisingly impactful place to start. While Arrow Uniforms designs garments to go the distance, extending the life of your uniforms requires care, planning, and a commitment to rethinking the lifecycle of clothing. Here's how your business can re-wear, repair, and recycle uniforms to maximise their value – while doing good for the planet. 1. Re-wear: Make Uniform Longevity a Priority The most sustainable uniform is the one already in circulation. But keeping garments in active use takes intention. Best Practices for Re-wearing Uniforms: Rotate Uniforms: Encourage staff to alternate between sets to reduce wear and tear Follow Care Instructions Closely: Washing at the right temperature and avoiding harsh chemicals helps preserve fabric integrity Use Dedicated Workwear Bags: Minimise snagging and wear during laundering with mesh wash bags Educate Your Team: A quick staff guide or training session on uniform care can significantly reduce garment turnover Real World Impact Extending a uniform's life by just nine months can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30%. 2. Repair: Small Fixes, Big Sustainability Wins Wear and tear is inevitable – but it doesn't mean a uniform's life is over. Simple repairs can dramatically extend usability and preserve brand consistency. Build a Uniform Repair Strategy: Create a Repairs Kit On-Site: Stock basic tools for buttons, hems, and stitching Offer a Repair Service: Arrow can recommend local partners or in-house support to maintain larger uniform fleets Schedule Quarterly Uniform Checks: Catch issues before they become replacements Encourage a Repair Culture: Highlight team members who care for and repair their uniforms – it builds pride and reinforces values 3. Recycle: Responsible Disposal at End-of-Use Even the best-made garments reach retirement eventually. But sending them to landfill shouldn't be the default. Smarter Ways to Recycle: Work with Circular Providers: Partner with textile recyclers who specialise in workwear Enquire About Arrow's AROUND Programme: Designed to support circularity, AROUND enables customers to return work uniforms for recycling into new textile forms Educate Teams on Drop-Off Points: Make recycling as easy as disposal – include signage and collection bins Avoid Branded Landfill: Removing logos before disposal protects your brand and supports ethical waste handling The Takeaway: Sustainability Doesn't End at Purchase Choosing high-quality, ethically produced uniforms is just the start. By embedding re-wear, repair, and recycle practices into your workplace culture, you extend the value of your investment – and reduce your environmental footprint. Whether you're a small business or managing a national uniform rollout, Arrow is here to support your sustainability journey – every step (and stitch) of the way. Want to learn how your team can get involved? Contact us to find out how AROUND can support your sustainability goals and simplify uniform returns.

Sustainability shouldn’t stop at recycling. AROUND® is Arrow’s circular uniform solution – collecting used garments, repurposing materials, and keeping textiles out of landfill. Designed to minimise waste and maximise impact, AROUND® helps businesses lead with action, not just intention – turning old uniforms into something new, meaningful, and measurable.

Recycling uniforms isn’t just good for the environment — it’s smart for business. From reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions to preserving resources and supporting circular economy goals, uniform recycling helps future-proof your sustainability strategy. At Arrow, we support businesses with practical, responsible workwear solutions that minimise waste and make every garment count.

Not all uniform suppliers are created equal. If sustainability and ethics matter to your business, asking the right questions can help you avoid greenwashing and ensure your partner meets modern expectations. At Arrow Uniforms, we prioritise transparency, ethical sourcing, and circular design — from fair labour and ISO-certified safety to recycled fabrics and our AROUND® programme.

Fast fashion might seem like a bargain, but its true cost is environmental, social, and economic. In contrast, high-quality uniforms are built to last — supporting your brand, your team, and the planet. Discover how Arrow Uniforms is helping businesses move beyond disposable clothing with sustainable, ethical, and long-lasting alternatives.