Ethical sourcing

Setting the standard in ethical sourcing

We’re proud to lead the way in sustainable and ethical sourcing for schoolwear. Since 2006, we’ve been a member of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) – one of the world’s leading ethical trade service providers – ensuring our supply chain meets the highest standards in:

Fair pay and labour practices

Safe working conditions

Business ethics

Environmental responsibility

We were the first UK schoolwear supplier to set Sedex 4-Pillar audits as the minimum or equivalent (eg. WRAP, BSCI) compliance standard for all our suppliers – raising the bar for transparency and ethical practice in our industry.

People First – Our supply chain in numbers

We work only with factories that share our values – prioritising human rights, worker safety, and fair compensation (always meeting at least local minimum wage levels, verified via independent SMETA 4-Pillar audits).

Sustainability in every step

Ethical sourcing is also about protecting the planet. In 2024, we strengthened our environmental and social standards:

Shipping efficiency

We have redesigned blazer container loads, increasing capacity by 400–600 pieces per container, cutting transport emissions.

Packaging upgrade

100% recycled and recyclable polybags, with clear recycling instructions to encourage circularity.

Better Cotton – Supporting responsible farming

We’re proud members of Better Cotton, helping cotton communities thrive while protecting the environment.

Our cotton is sourced through a mass balance system, meaning the volumes we buy directly support farmers using better practices – from reducing pesticides and improving soil health to using water efficiently and promoting fair working conditions.

By supporting Better Cotton, our schoolwear helps create a future that’s better for farmers, their communities, and the planet. In 2026, we are moving to use traceable cotton through BCI.

Better Cotton – Supporting Responsible Farming

Why factory visits matter

In 2024, our buying team visited 16 factories across China, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. These trips ensured product quality, ethical compliance, and stronger relationships while sharing our B Corp commitments and Supplier Code of Conduct.

We also learned how suppliers support their communities, from installing solar panels to launching local environmental initiatives and wellbeing programmes – reaffirming our shared values.

Accreditations & Memberships

We’re proud to hold a number of accreditations and memberships that reflect our ongoing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices:

B Corp Certified

legally committing us to operate for the benefit of people, the planet, and communities, not just profit.

Better Cotton Membership

supporting responsible cotton farming that protects the environment and improves farmer livelihoods.

Sedex Membership

driving transparency, fair labour practices, and environmental accountability across our supply chain.

Better Business Act Supporter

campaigning for all UK companies to align their interests with wider society and the environment.

The Schoolwear Association

supporting best practice, quality standards, and ethical principles across the schoolwear industry.

B Corp Certified

legally committing us to operate for the benefit of people, the planet, and communities, not just profit.
Better Cotton Membership

supporting responsible cotton farming that protects the environment and improves farmer livelihoods.
Sedex Membership

driving transparency, fair labour practices, and environmental accountability across our supply chain.
Better Business Act Supporter

campaigning for all UK companies to align their interests with wider society and the environment.
The Schoolwear Association

supporting best practice, quality standards, and ethical principles across the schoolwear industry.

What’s next?

To meet our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, we must also actively support our suppliers in this transition. By working closely with our long-term partners, we’re improving working conditions, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening supply chain resilience.