Sustainable Uniform Solutions

Behind every uniform is a complex global supply chain involving people, suppliers, manufacturers and logistics partners around the world. In this blog, we explore why supply chain transparency is more important than ever, the role organisations play in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks, and the practical steps Deane is taking to strengthen visibility, governance and ethical sourcing across our supply chain.

What happens when you combine wellness, teamwork, and a little friendly motivation? At Deane, the answer was 19,047,343 steps and 86% staff participation in our first-ever Step into Spring Challenge. This company-wide event broke down borders, boosted morale, and reminded us that connection is the ultimate goal. Here’s how we made it happen—and why it matters.

In our journey toward a 75% reduction in landfill waste from operations, we’re constantly inspired by the ingenuity of our supply partners. One standout example comes from our long-time garment manufacturer, who has transformed a waste challenge into a circular solution. By repurposing fabric offcuts into industrial and gardening gloves, they’re not only reducing textile waste but also proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

In 2024, we undertook a comprehensive Supplier Risk Assessment to enhance transparency and assess potential risks within our supply chain. As part of this process, a Discovery Questionnaire was distributed to all our Tier 1 suppliers to evaluate their policies and standards for mitigating modern slavery risks.

To help utilise the reuse of uniforms by short-term workers, the Department of Conservation (DoC) launched a “pre-loved” uniform initiative.

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.