Sustainability
Protecting The Future
Building a more sustainable industry – one step at a time.
Sustainable manufacturing
We believe in the future of the UK textiles industry – but we can only reach this future by taking care of the present. At AW Hainsworth, we’re committed to building a sustainable, profitable business that paves the way for responsible manufacturing.
Our approach to sustainability goes beyond reducing our carbon footprint. It encompasses everything we impact—our processes, people, and community—meaning we can continue to help build a more sustainable industry.
A diverse approach to sustainability
We believe in a holistic approach to sustainable manufacturing. As a fully vertical mill, we can manufacture our products from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely onsite. This means our carbon footprint is largely within our control, subsequently allowing us to improve and perfect it. As well as minimising our environmental impact, we also strongly emphasise people and society.
By reducing our waste and emissions, nurturing our workforce, and supporting our local community, we can therefore lead the way towards a more modern, sustainable textile industry.
We’re committed to you
We’ve made a commitment from the business, our leadership team, and our employees to continue working towards more sustainable manufacturing practices, to look after our community, and to ensure a bright future for the industry. Below, we’ve outlined some of steps we’re taking.
Our processes
We’re all too aware that manufacturing can produce high emissions – but this doesn’t mean we can’t work to fix it.
Our people
We’re only ever as strong as our people. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping everyone at Hainsworth feel happy, healthy, and secure at work. We invest significantly in employee well-being, development, and engagement. This investment includes providing skills training and opportunities for career progression and initiatives such as Mental Health First Aid training, menopause awareness sessions, and free on-site counselling for anyone who needs it. By keeping our people at the heart of what we do, we develop long, happy, successful careers at Hainsworth.
Our products
Our products are the opposite of disposable. We never mass produce, only making as much fabric as our customers will need. Under our Hainsworth Signature Fabrics brand, we are leading the charge on the Slow Fashion movement, working with clothing brands to create garments that are timeless and designed to last. Accordingly, we champion the natural properties of wool, a naturally renewable fibre that biodegrades at the end of life. And thanks to our in-house laboratory, we test to ensure all our fabrics are durable and high-performing, with a long-life cycle.
Our Future
We constantly look ahead to the future of the industry and the world around us. By working with our local community, we ensure we’re positively contributing to the area. We also partner with charities and organisations dedicated to helping West Yorkshire thrive. In addition, we collaborate with universities and schools, sponsoring projects by the next generation of fashion designers and providing career opportunities for young people. With almost a third of our workforce under 35, we develop their skills by offering apprenticeships, qualifications and training courses.
Alongside this, we also work with trade bodies and fellow textile manufacturers to ensure this vital industry continues to grow.
Over 240 years of working
for the planet
45,000
yarn cones re-used in a year
10%
of employees trained as Mental Health First Aiders
1.25 million
litres of water saved per year
Rethink
Rethink
As mindful manufacturers, we only source wool from farms which we have a long-term relationship with, that practice responsible land management and have respect for animal welfare. We are proud to be one of the first British mills to be awarded the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Refuse
Refuse
We are constantly reviewing the packaging we send out and receive from suppliers, and refuse to use non-recyclable or biodegradable packaging unless no alternative is available.
Reduce
Reduce
We constantly monitor and review our processes to reduce the energy, emissions and effluent produced at the mill. By fitting water recirculation units to our milling machines, we have saved over 1 million litres of water a year.
Reuse
Reuse
We wind our yarns onto reusable plastic cones instead of disposable ones, which we then enter back into the production process after use.
Recycle
Recycle
We proudly achieved Zero to Landfill in 2023, after investing in balers, educating our workforce, and sourcing new waste management partners.
Repair
Repair
We have started work on building an Engineering Facility which will be completed in 2024. The facility will allow our Engineering team to more efficiently fix machine breakdowns in-house, enhancing their skills and preventing the need to ship parts across the world.
Small steps, big goals
The journey towards more sustainable manufacturing is not without its challenges. External factors pose obstacles that can slow some of the progress we hope to make. But sustainability is not just about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about taking small steps, which lead us towards our larger goals.
With care, consideration and commitment, we will continue to improve our production methods, invest in our people, and look after the needs of our community. Together, we will pave the way towards a more sustainable manufacturing industry.
