As the automotive sector accelerates towards a net-zero future, the focus on sustainability is intensifying.
From shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in cleaner manufacturing, to adopting circular economy principles, automotive businesses are rethinking every part of their operations. However, one often overlooked opportunity for positive change lies in what employees wear to work each day.
Sustainable workwear is becoming an essential piece of the sustainability puzzle.
Garments made from eco-conscious materials, maintained through low-impact processes and managed within circular systems, can help businesses cut emissions, reduce waste and meet environmental and regulatory targets, all while keeping workers safe, comfortable and compliant.
In this blog, we explore why sustainable workwear matters for the automotive industry, how it supports broader ESG strategies and how Johnsons Workwear is helping businesses make the transition.
The automotive industry's green shift: Beyond the assembly line
Global targets are driving the green transition to limit climate change, shifting consumer expectations and regulatory frameworks like the UK’s Net Zero Strategy and the EU Green Deal.
For the automotive sector, this means replacing internal combustion engines with EVs and decarbonising every value chain link, from parts suppliers to final assembly.
To remain competitive and compliant, manufacturers and suppliers must take a holistic approach to sustainability. This includes:
- Meeting ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
- Reporting on Scope 3 emissions across the supply chain.
- Demonstrating progress on ESG goals to investors and stakeholders
- Complying with new EU regulations on textiles and extended producer responsibility.
And that’s where sustainable workwear can make a real impact.
What makes workwear sustainable?
Sustainable workwear is designed, manufactured, maintained and retired in ways that minimise environmental impact. It typically involves:
- Recycled or renewable materials, such as recycled polyester, organic cotton or bio-based fibres.
- Environmentally friendly production processes that reduce water, chemical and energy use.
- Durability, ensuring longer garment life and fewer replacements.
- Repair and reuse schemes, reducing landfill waste.
- Professional laundering, using energy-efficient facilities and reducing microfibre shedding.
- End-of-life recycling or responsible disposal.
These factors help businesses reduce carbon emissions, water usage, textile waste and other environmental impacts tied to employee uniforms and PPE.
Why sustainable workwear matters in automotive
1. Reducing waste and environmental impact at scale
A typical automotive facility may issue hundreds or thousands of garments each year, especially in large manufacturing or logistics environments. Every stage of a garment’s life, from production to washing to disposal, carries an environmental cost.
By switching to sustainable workwear, companies can:
- Lower resource consumption (e.g. less virgin polyester, cotton and water).
- Reduce the energy footprint of garment manufacturing and laundering.
- Prevent textile waste from entering landfills through better garment lifecycle management.
- Mitigate microplastic pollution through closed-loop laundry systems.
This is especially important for organisations aiming to improve Scope 3 emissions performance as part of a broader carbon reduction strategy.
2. Meeting ESG and reporting requirements
As ESG becomes a major focus for investors and procurement teams, businesses are under growing pressure to measure, report and improve environmental performance. That includes social and environmental aspects of workforce clothing.
Sustainable workwear contributes to:
- Measurable carbon footprint reductions in procurement.
- Better alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- More transparent supply chain reporting under the GHG Protocol.
- Evidence of action on social responsibility and ethical sourcing.
Plus, when managed through a trusted provider like Johnsons Workwear, businesses also gain access to data and documentation needed for reporting and audits.
3. Supporting regulatory compliance
From the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles to emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, regulators are increasingly targeting textile use and waste.
Businesses operating in the automotive sector — especially those exporting into the EU — must be ready to prove the sustainability of their garment choices.
Using garments certified to standards such as:
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: For human and ecological safety.
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard): For use of recycled fibres.
- ISO 14001: Environmental management.
- ISO 15797: Industrial washing and maintenance compatibility.
Following these standards effectively can demonstrate that your business is ahead of the curve when it comes to compliance and environmental best practice.
Sustainable by design: The benefits of a rental & laundry model
One of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of workwear is by partnering with a provider that offers a rental and laundering service like Johnsons Workwear.
With this model, instead of purchasing garments outright, businesses rent garments that are:
- Professionally fitted and delivered.
- Collected and laundered at energy-efficient, ISO-certified facilities.
- Repaired when damaged.
- Recycled or responsibly retired at end-of-life.
This circular approach means garments are kept in use longer, replaced only when necessary and laundered in ways that reduce water and energy use.
Choosing the right workwear for automotive
Workwear in the automotive industry must meet both environmental and performance standards. Johnsons Workwear offers sustainable garments tailored to the specific needs of:
- Assembly and engineering teams: Durable, oil-resistant fabrics with eco-credentials.
- EV and battery workers: Flame-resistant PPE made with recycled fibres.
- Logistics and warehousing staff: Hi-vis jackets and trousers using recycled polyester.
- Maintenance crews: Insulated outerwear designed for longevity and repair.
- Cleanroom and paint shop operatives: Lint-free or specialist PPE solutions with sustainable laundering options.
These garments can be branded, certified and supplied within a compliant managed workwear programme — streamlining procurement and aligning with CSR goals.
Implementing sustainable workwear is a high-impact, low-disruption step toward decarbonising operations. It helps reduce emissions, enhances compliance, improves your brand reputation and supports a culture of responsibility, while ensuring your team is comfortable, safe and presentable.
It also shows leadership. As the automotive sector transitions to greener operations, businesses that embed sustainability at every level — right down to the uniforms — will stand out to partners, customers and regulators alike.
Take the next step towards sustainable operations
Johnsons Workwear offers various sustainable workwear solutions ideal for the automotive, logistics and engineering sectors.
Our garments are backed by a fully managed rental and laundering service, helping you reduce environmental impact, remain compliant and support your team with high-performance workwear that’s built to last.
Why not explore our sustainable workwear solutions for automotive today?
Discover automotive with Johnsons Workwear →
