SMI ESG Strategy - Flipbook - Page 34
PLASTIC BOTTLES - WHY THROW OUT WHEN YOU CAN THROW ON
Leo have been one of our trusted suppliers for many
years, and they are as dedicated to helping preserve
our planet conforming to SMI’s ESG commitment.
Their Ecoviz workwear range are good quality high
visibility garments confirming to ISO 20471 whilst
being made from recycled clothing or sustainably
sourced fabrics including plastic bottles. Leo have
estimated that by using plastic bottles within their
garments they have saved 350,000 plastic bottles
from reaching the ocean or in landfill and helped
reduce their carbon emissions significantly, the
equivalent to planting 7,500 trees. The repurposed
garments and plastic bottles are washed, shredded,
and then broken down into pieces before being
processed into raw polyester material.
Regatta’s The Honesty Project identifies the key
areas Regatta wish to focus on when achieving their
plans, including responsible sourcing, traceability
and committing to enhancing the lives of their
stakeholders. Regattas dedicated to improving
the impact they have on the environment and on
society is recognised through their Social Impact
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Programmes and sustainable garments. SMI are
proud to work with Regatta and together provide
our customers with high quality, ethically sourced
and environmentally friendly products. The eco
garments in the Honesty range are made from
100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles. The
process to make recycled polyester clothing firstly
involves the plastic bottles being broken down into
small plastic flakes. These flakes are turned into
tiny pellets of plastic by melting them. The pellets
are then heated and spun into thread, knitted, or
woven into fabric and made into the end garment.
As part of the Regatta Group Craghoppers is
another key supplier which provides good quality
products, whilst striving towards a sustainable
future. Craghoppers has focused on using
minimal water during the dyeing process of
their garments, 70% of their clothing products
are made from recycled materials, and yarn is
repurposed and sourced from supplier certified
by global recycled standard. Craghoppers are
also members of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
showing their commitment to source 85% of their
cotton as sustainable cotton including better
cotton, recycled and organic cotton over the
next 5 years. Another step Craghopper have
taken looks at their EcoShield DWR finish. This is
a plant-based water repellent which bonds the
molecules to the surface of the garment allowing
rain and water-based stains to run off. Using
this plant-based repellent the garments are
environmentally friendly without compromising
the quality of the garments. 63% of materials are
sourced from a range of plant-based sources
whilst keeping the garments drier for longer,
lighter, and comfortable to wear.
ENVIRONMENTAL I SOCIAL I GOVERNANCE
