Every year, millions of tonnes of textile and plastic waste end up in landfills. At Deane Apparel, we’re determined to change that. Under our Planet pillar, we’ve set ambitious targets to reduce landfill waste through innovation across our operations and supply chain.

We aim to cut our landfill waste by 75% by 2028—a bold goal that focuses on end-of-life materials. This involves rethinking how we design, dispose of, and repurpose materials across our value chain. This commitment reflects our belief in minimising our environmental footprint and contributing positively to the planet.

Innovative Recycling Initiatives

One example of our dedication to sustainability is our initiative to recycle soft plastics, particularly courier satchels. Spearheaded by Vera, a passionate advocate for our environment, this initiative has not only diverted plastic from landfills but has also garnered recognition within our company.

Vera's initiative began with a personal commitment to research sustainable disposal methods for the surplus courier bags accumulating in our supply department. Her efforts led to a partnership with Future Post, a company specialising in transforming soft plastics into durable plastic fence posts. Since January, Vera has recycled 14.5 kilograms of soft plastics—the equivalent of over 1,000 courier satchels, or the weight of a medium-sized dog—diverting them from landfill and into long-lasting fence posts. This initiative not only reduces our landfill waste but also supports the circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources.

Vera's outstanding contributions to sustainability were formally recognised when she received Deane Apparel's Sustainability Award in April. Her dedication and innovative thinking exemplify our company's ethos of making a tangible difference in environmental conservation.

Managing Textile Waste Responsibly

In addition to our efforts with soft plastics, Deane Apparel actively manages textile waste by partnering with ImpacTex. Textile waste is a significant concern in the apparel industry, and our collaboration with ImpacTex ensures that these materials are repurposed or recycled responsibly, reducing our environmental impact.

As we continue on our sustainability journey, Deane Apparel remains committed to exploring new ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote environmental sustainability across all facets of our operations. 

Through initiatives like Vera's plastic recycling project and partnerships with organisations like Future Post and ImpacTex, we are proud to contribute positively to the environment while inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices. Together, we can build a more sustainable future—one innovative idea and responsible action at a time.