Reducing environmental impacts… one hi vis jacket at a time

In the drive for greater sustainability in business, every little helps. Even the smallest actions can make a big difference as part of a concerted effort to reduce negative environmental and societal impacts across the board.

At iSB Group, we are passionate about the pursuit of better workwear and PPE. We want to see longer-lasting, more comfortable, more effective products. We also want those products to be manufactured, distributed, sold and worn with less negative impact on people and planet.

Working together for greater impact

We partner with leading manufacturers who are actively striving to make their already high-performing workwear and PPE even better – and this includes improving its sustainability credentials.

As they innovate and bring fresh, exciting developments to the market, we make sure to offer our customers access to these innovations to help boost their own sustainability efforts as well as improve the safety and comfort of their workforce.

One such partner we work with is Leo Workwear, a manufacturer of hi vis garments that is leading the way when it comes to reducing its impact on people and planet.

About Leo Workwear

A specialist in the design and manufacture of high visibility clothing, Leo Workwear has one of the most comprehensive ranges of hi vis products in the UK. Over more than 40 years in the business, the company has developed a reputation for quality products and service, and for pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation.

At iSB, we most often recommend customers purchase from their EcoViz® range.

This innovative range of hi vis workwear is made from recycled and sustainably-sourced fabrics derived either from recycled post-consumer clothing or recycled plastic bottles.

Using recycled polyester not only reduces the amount of textile waste going to landfill or being incinerated but generates lower carbon emissions and less waste than using traditional oil-derived polyester.

But this fact alone doesn’t explain why we choose to recommend the products to our customers.

A focus on quality

EcoViz® garments are made using recycled materials, but this is also true of other brands.

Where Leo’s high visibility clothing differs is in the attention paid to every detail of ensuring product and process have the lowest possible negative impacts.

Built to last

A focus on quality runs deep at Leo, with longer-lasting products seen as key to reducing the overall negative environmental impact of their operations.

In many of its garments, reflective tape is applied using heat rather than sewn on, reducing the amount of sealing tape required for foul weather garments and ensuring greater longevity.

And, as well as choosing the best fabrics and reflective tapes for the job required, the company only selects the highest quality zips, buttons and fasteners – those built to withstand tough environments.

Leo high visibility clothing is also made to outlast its competition, maintaining its luminosity and reflectivity for 50 wash cycles – twice the industry standard. This means garments need to be replaced less often.

A supplier that cares

High quality, long-lasting products aren’t the only reason for Leo’s success. The company also cares about the real impact of its operations on people and the world around it.

Leo only works with certain trusted and responsible supply partners – those it can be sure adhere to its strict environmental and ethical standards.

Manufacturing of Leo products takes place in just a handful of factories, all of which are externally certified responsible producers. This means they:

• Source raw materials responsibly
• Pay a living wage
• Ensure safe working conditions
• Manage their environmental impacts
• Provide decent working hours
• Do not employ child labour

Many power their facilities through renewable energies such as solar power or hydroelectricity, and recycle energy or resources on site to lessen their impact on the planet.

Interested to learn more? Read more about Leo's sustainability credentials on the Leo Cares website.

Our 2024 impact

Working with Leo Workwear is beneficial for us here at iSB Group too.

By encouraging customers to switch away from traditional hi vis to its EcoViz® range, Leo says we are helping it to save energy and water, and reduce emissions.

During 2024, this positive action equated to:
 

We’re really delighted to be a part of this success, and continue to recommend EcoViz® products to our customers wherever appropriate.