How Green is your Workwear?
The workwear industry is facing a major shift. As sustainability becomes a watchword in every sector, manufacturers are being called to account for the environmental impact of their products.
With concerns mounting over climate change and resource depletion, the focus on greener practices is not just a trend—it’s a necessity.
A Looming Environmental Crisis
The fashion and textile industry, including workwear, has long been a significant contributor to environmental degradation. From the vast amounts of water used in production to the greenhouse gases emitted throughout the supply chain, the impact is undeniable. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, if the fashion industry doesn’t change its course, it could consume 26% of the global carbon budget by 2050. This stark warning highlights the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable practices.
Workwear, often overlooked in discussions about sustainable fashion, plays a substantial role in this equation. With millions of garments produced annually for sectors ranging from construction to healthcare, the environmental footprint of workwear is substantial. Manufacturers are now being pushed to rethink their approach, from the materials they use to the lifecycle of their products.
Fristads Leads the Way with the Green Calculator
One company that’s ahead of the curve is Fristads, a Swedish workwear manufacturer that’s been making waves in the UK market. Recognising the growing demand for eco-friendly products, Fristads has put sustainability at the forefront of its operations. In a bold move, the company introduced the Green Calculator—a digital tool that quantifies the environmental impact of its garments.
The Green Calculator is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a practical tool that measures carbon emissions, water usage, and energy consumption throughout a garment’s lifecycle. Fristads’ garments are third-party verified and have achieved Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) status, ensuring transparency and reliability in the data provided.
David Snelling, Managing Director of Fristads UK and Ireland, emphasises the tool’s significance: “The calculator works by selecting a Fristads product across one of four industry areas and entering the number of wearers. This accurately calculates the reduction in environmental footprint, based on the combined impact of water consumption and greenhouse gases emitted during garment production, converted to H2O and CO2 equivalents.”
A New Standard for Transparency and Accountability
By highlighting the ecological footprint of each product, Fristads’ Green Calculator encourages both manufacturers and consumers to prioritise eco-friendly materials and processes. It’s not just about buying sustainable garments; it’s about making informed decisions that can drive industry-wide change.
This transparency allows businesses to integrate the calculator’s data into their own carbon emission statements, adding a layer of credibility and accountability to their environmental claims. For companies eager to meet sustainability targets or demonstrate their green credentials to stakeholders, this tool offers a straightforward way to quantify their impact.
Fristads’ initiative is setting a new standard for corporate responsibility within the workwear sector. The tool serves as both a guide and a motivator, helping businesses see the tangible benefits of choosing sustainable options. For an industry often slow to adapt, the Green Calculator represents a significant step forward.
From Concept to Circular Economy
Fristads isn’t stopping at the Green Calculator. The company is committed to pushing the boundaries of what sustainable workwear can be. Last month, Fristads launched the world’s first circular workwear product—a sweatshirt made partially from recycled Fristads garments. This ground-breaking product represents a shift towards a circular economy, where old clothes are repurposed into new, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Since its founding in 1925, Fristads has been at the forefront of workwear innovation, combining durability and functionality with a keen eye on sustainability. The company’s product range spans classic and contemporary designs, catering to various industries with a focus on quality, safety, and comfort. Fristads is part of the Hultafors Group, owned by Investment Latour AB, which supports a portfolio of brands catering to professional craftsmen.
A Future Built on Sustainable Workwear
The growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the workwear sector reflects a broader industry shift towards environmental responsibility. As companies like Fristads continue to innovate, the hope is that more manufacturers will follow suit, embracing tools like the Green Calculator to drive greener production methods.
The path forward is clear: the industry must pivot towards sustainability, not just for the sake of the planet, but also to meet the evolving expectations of consumers, regulators, and investors. Fristads is leading by example, demonstrating that with the right tools and commitment, workwear can be both functional and environmentally friendly.
Your Role in the Green Workwear Revolution
The workwear industry’s journey towards sustainability is one that involves every player, from manufacturers and designers to end-users. As the pressure mounts for more responsible production, tools like Fristads’ Green Calculator are invaluable in guiding decisions and shaping the future of the industry.
For those invested in making a difference, now is the time to act. By choosing sustainable workwear, supporting innovative companies, and demanding transparency, everyone has a role to play in reducing the environmental impact of the garments we wear to work every day.
