How can you recognise sustainable workwear? 

Quality as the most important indicator of sustainability

Durability reduces resource consumption 

The quality of workwear plays a decisive role when it comes to sustainability. High-quality materials and careful workmanship ensure that the garments are more robust and durable. This means that they need to be replaced less frequently, which reduces the consumption of resources and the associated environmental impact. 

Frequent new productions and the associated consumption of resources and energy as well as the production of waste materials can be avoided by purchasing durable workwear. Good quality also helps to ensure that the garments maintain their functionality and protection over longer periods of time.

High-quality workwear reduces costs 

In professions where workwear has to fulfil special requirements, such as in the construction industry or healthcare, the durability of the materials is of crucial importance. Robust fabrics that are not only hard-wearing, but also ensure that the clothing fulfils its protective functions (e.g. against moisture, chemicals or UV radiation) in the long term, reduce the need for frequent new investments. 

In addition, high-quality products have an impact on the entire lifespan of the clothing, including washing and care cycles. High-quality clothing is often also suitable for intensive industrial washing and does not lose quality or functionality even after many washes. This extends the life of the product and reduces the ecological footprint of the entire clothing usage. 

All in all, high-quality workwear not only means that you spend less money on frequent new purchases, but that you also make a positive contribution to conserving resources and reducing waste thanks to its long service life.

Environmentally friendly materials 

The selection of environmentally friendly materials or the use of recycling or reuse programmes are further indications of whether workwear is sustainable. Natural fibres such as organic cotton or recycled polyester are examples of sustainable materials that reduce CO₂ emissions. 

There are also important seals such as Fairtrade or FAIRWEAR. These indicate that workwear has been produced under fair, sustainable working conditions. 

FAIRWEAR for fair working conditions 

The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) aims to improve the working conditions of people in the textile industry. The eight principles of the FWF are free choice of employment, freedom of association, no discrimination in the workplace, no exploitation through child labour, payment of living wages, reasonable working hours, safe and healthy working conditions and a legally binding employment relationship. 

Circular economy is gaining in importance 

Certificates and transparency 

In addition to Fairtrade and Fairwear, there are many other seals and certificates that prove sustainability and fair working conditions. Examples include the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Green Button, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (no harmful substances), OEKO-TEX STeP (chemical and environmental management, occupational safety, social responsibility) or REPREVE (brand for sustainable fibres made from recycled materials). 

These certificates enable consumers to make informed choices and guarantee that the garments have been produced in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner. 

Local production and short supply chains

Another feature of sustainable workwear is local production or short, transparent supply chains. This reduces the carbon footprint of the clothing and supports job creation in the countries of production. Transparency in the supply chain is crucial to ensure that all parties are treated fairly and that the environment is not overly burdened.