Understanding the cost of ownership and sustainability of uniforms
Welcome back! In this second chapter, we’ll explore the importance of cost of ownership and sustainability in corporate uniforms with Andy Bass, Business Development & ESG Director at Murray Uniforms.
(If you missed part 1, you can catch up here).
Chapter 2: Cost of Ownership and Sustainability
Cost of ownership is often overlooked in corporate clothing. Why is it important?
Cost of ownership is crucial because it encompasses not just the initial purchase price but the overall cost of maintaining and replacing uniforms. High-quality, durable uniforms reduce the frequency of replacements and repairs, saving companies money in the long run. Our focus on quality and durability ensures that uniforms not only look good but last longer, providing a better return on investment for our clients.
What are the factors that contribute to the cost of ownership?
There are several factors that contribute to the cost of ownership. Firstly, there’s the return on investment (ROI). Investing in high-quality uniforms might have a higher upfront cost, but the durability and longevity of these uniforms mean fewer replacements and repairs, leading to cost savings over time. Additionally, high-quality uniforms can enhance the daily experience of our wearers, which is something we are very big on.
Employee well-being and happiness are also significant factors. Research shows that happy employees are on average 12% more productive. We conducted research with Coventry University to really understand the impact of uniform. The research that we commissioned was a global first. What we found was that uniforms that fit well, are comfortable, and are designed for the specific tasks employees perform can contribute significantly to their well-being. We also found that uniforms could increase employee happiness!
Some of the findings from the research were staggering; for instance, 70.5% said uniform influenced their decision to join a company. (You can read more of the research here). We felt that if we could design a uniform that impacted talent acquisition and retention, we could do something fantastic for our customers.
For example, we developed a special uniform for mechanics at Jaguar Land Rover that included covered zippers to prevent scratching cars and padding on the elbows to facilitate working under vehicles. This kind of attention to detail ensures that the uniforms are fit for purpose, enhancing both employee satisfaction and productivity.
How does the choice of materials impact the cost of ownership and sustainability?
The choice of materials is fundamental to both cost of ownership and sustainability. To get a garment that performs well and stays colourfast, we go right back to the fibres that make the yarns and fabrics. There is a huge variation in the quality of cotton, for example. The secret is in the length of the cotton staple—the longer the staple, the higher the quality. Simply specifying a fabric as 65% cotton and 35% polyester at a certain weight isn’t enough for us. We want to ensure we’re using the best fibres to create fabrics that are durable and perform well.
This approach means our garments can outperform competitors’ by at least 50%, sometimes even 100%. By using higher-quality materials, we ensure the uniforms last longer and maintain their appearance, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only saves money but also reduces environmental impact, aligning with our sustainability goals.
Going back to the Jaguar Land Rover example, they needed uniforms that not only looked pristine but also withstood the rigours of their work environment. Initially, they expected to replace the uniforms every 12 months, but our uniforms lasted for 24 months, effectively doubling their uniform budget’s efficiency and reducing their overall cost of ownership.
Designing with fabrics and trims requires a lot of thought, especially with sustainability in mind. How does Murray Uniforms approach this?
We prioritise using high-quality materials right from the fibres that make the yarns. For example, longer staple cotton fibres ensure better colourfastness and durability. We also focus on sustainable practices, such as using fabrics that can be reconstituted into new garments, reducing our environmental footprint. Our collaboration with organisations like Procter & Gamble helps us extend garment life and reduce CO2 emissions.
What are some of the key innovations in uniform design and sustainability?
One of our notable innovations is the use of three-ply soft shells for better waterproofing and wind resistance. We also integrate features like covered zippers to avoid scratching vehicles and extra padding on elbows for durability. Additionally, we ensure our uniforms are designed for machine washing, with strict controls on shrinkage to maintain their fit and appearance over time.
When it comes to sustainability, we’ve implemented several initiatives. We have a programme in place to take back 40% of the uniforms we produce at the end of their life cycle. This is written into our contracts with clients, making it easy and cost-effective for them to return used uniforms. Once we receive these uniforms, we sort them for repurposing and reusing. Some are reconstituted at the molecular level into new fibres and fabrics, while others are used for purposes like car insulation or energy generation. This ensures that virtually nothing goes to waste.
Our approach to sustainability is about thinking through the entire process—from the fibres that make the fabrics to the end of the uniform’s life. By focusing on repurposing and reusing materials, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and offer our clients more sustainable options.
Join us next week as we delve into the importance of pride, inclusion, and trust in uniform design.
[FREE EVENT] Don’t forget to register for Murray Uniforms upcoming event “High Trust Organisations: Recipe for Success” to learn more about building trust in your organisation.
