Sustainable Uniforms in the Healthcare Industry

Traditional healthcare uniforms, such as tunics, scrubs and dresses, are often made from blended polyester and cotton fabrics, which can have a high environmental impact. 

Whilst there are more sustainable fabrics out there, like GRS-certified and bio polyester, many largescale healthcare uniform suppliers more often stock less environmentally-friendly materials due to their cheaper manufacturing cost.

Healthcare uniform manufacturing processes can have a wide impact on their overall sustainability. 

In the UK and EU, there are much stricter ethical labour practises and sustainability standards to meet during textile production. Look towards companies with sustainability focuses and certifications - including ISO 14001 certification - and especially those that openly discuss their manufacturing processes.

High-quality healthcare uniforms are designed to last longer, reducing textile waste - one of the major contributors of landfill pollution - and the need for frequent replacements. 

Cheaper healthcare garments may seem like a more cost-effective solution for your team, but can have a devastating impact on the environment.

Many healthcare uniforms are not biodegradable, due to the synthetic fibres used in their fabrics and materials. This often means they end up in landfill, along with any textile waste created during production. 

However, many healthcare uniform suppliers are now introducing uniform recycling programs and biodegradable fabric options.

Healthcare uniforms need frequent washing to meet the stringent hygiene requirements of the workplace, however, this consumes significant amounts of water and energy to do. 

Whilst this cannot be eradicated, some fabrics used in healthcare uniforms require less water and energy to clean and maintain, or are designed to handle industrial washing - rather than requiring smaller washloads or home laundry. 

Recycled polyester, or GRS-certified polyester, is polyester made from recycled fibres or GRS-certified polyester. The GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification of these fabrics ensures ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and minimal chemical use.

Along with being more eco-friendly, recycled polyester fabrics offer durability, stain resistance and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for healthcare uniforms, such as scrubs and lab coats.

Unlike traditional polyester, which is petroleum-based, bio-polyester is partially or fully derived from renewable plant sources like corn or sugarcane. 

Bio-based polyester fabrics provide the same durability, wrinkle resistance and moisture control needed for healthcare uniforms as standard polyester, but have a lower carbon footprint and can be blended with other sustainable fabrics for added comfort.

Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, organic cotton healthcare uniforms are much safer for the environment and workers. Organic cotton is naturally breathable, soft, and biodegradable, making it ideal for comfortable, all-day wear, and uses less water and energy than conventional cotton when farmed.

Sustainable healthcare uniforms are made from recycled, renewable or biodegradable materials that reduce plastic and textile waste, lower carbon footprints, and conserve energy and water more than conventional materials.

It’s important to note that healthcare uniforms aren’t just good for the environment - they’re good for the wearer, too! These uniforms include many benefits and features to improve the health and comfort of healthcare staff, including:

• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, to keep staff cool and dry on long shifts.
• Antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, reducing odour and skin irritation.
• Lightweight and soft materials, making the uniforms comfortable for extended wear.

Whilst sustainable healthcare uniforms may have a higher upfront cost, these uniforms are made from durable materials that are stronger, last longer, and are wrinkle and stain resistant - meaning they need replacing less frequently.

Sustainable healthcare uniforms help both the wearer and their healthcare organisation support green initiatives, and in most cases, fair labour practices. A focus on sustainability, as a whole, can also improve brand reputation for the organisation, appealing to patients and employees alike.

Regardless of whether your organisation sits within the public or private sector, incorporating sustainable healthcare uniforms helps to meet both individual and regulatory sustainability goals