Tibard is incredibly proud to introduce our new Eco Chefswear Range, this range has been years in the making and is a step forward in our pursuit of proving that Uniform Shouldn’t Cost The Earth. The range features two meticulously designed chef jackets, a highly functional apron, and comfortable chef trousers, each crafted from sustainable fabrics. These pieces combine to offer a uniform solution that does not simply meet the practical needs of culinary professionals but also aligns with their values towards sustainability.

Identifying Environmental Challenges

Our sustainable journey began with a deep dive into the environmental impact of the fabrics used in our chefswear. With our core range being heavily reliant on polyester, we delved into the issues surrounding plastic pollution. Research revealed alarming statistics: one in three fish now contains plastic, and despite growing awareness, 90% of plastic is still derived from fossil fuels.

Every day, 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into our oceans, contributing to an annual accumulation of 12 million tonnes. This pervasive pollution results in the deaths of 100,000 marine mammals and turtles, as well as 1 million seabirds each year, highlighting the critical need for immediate action to mitigate these devastating impacts. Moreover, the production of plastic generates 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every 1 tonne produced, exacerbating climate change concerns. Tibard is committed to sustainable solutions that mitigate plastic pollution's devastating effects.

Further exploration led us to confront challenges associated with conventional cotton production. Traditional farming practices involve intensive water usage, pesticide application, and fertiliser use, leading to environmental degradation and health risks for communities. Soil erosion and biodiversity loss compound these concerns. In response, we sought alternatives aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Fabric Selection: Transforming Challenges into Solutions

In our pursuit of sustainable solutions, we meticulously examined various fabric options, seeking to address environmental challenges while maintaining uncompromising quality and value. After rigorous research and testing, we discovered a winning combination: a blend of 65% recycled polyester and 35% BCI cotton.

This innovative blend harnesses the transformative power of recycled polyester, derived from repurposed PET bottles, to actively reduce plastic waste and minimise environmental impact. By incorporating BCI cotton, we further enhance the fabric's sustainability credentials, as well as supporting farming communities and promoting responsible agricultural practices.

The advantages of our eco-conscious fabric are compelling:

• Each Tibard chef jacket crafted from this blend saves over 11 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills or our oceans

• The production of recycled polyester consumes up to 53% less energy compared to virgin polyester, reducing carbon emissions and reliance on non-renewable resources

• By utilising recycled polyester, we help divert plastic waste from our environment and contribute to a circular economy

• BCI cotton promotes sustainable farming practices, including reduced pesticide use and improved water management, benefiting both farmers and the environment
• The range's fabric blend offers exceptional durability, comfort, and performance, ensuring that every garment in Tibard's Eco Range meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability

With each jacket, trouser, and apron, Tibard reaffirms its commitment to the environment and offers hospitality professionals a sustainable choice without compromising on style or functionality.

Current and Future Sustainability Initiatives

While launching the Eco Chefswear Range is a significant stride towards sustainability, it is just one aspect of Tibard's comprehensive environmental strategy. We have already implemented several initiatives to reduce our ecological footprint and are committed to further enhancing our sustainability practices in the future.

Current Eco Initiatives:

• At our Manchester headquarters, we've installed Electric Vehicle charging stations to encourage greener commuting options.
• Our facility upgrades include heat-efficient water taps, motion sensor lighting, and water-efficient toilet systems, significantly reducing our water and energy consumption.
• We've partnered with DPD to offer carbon-neutral delivery options, ensuring that even our logistics chain reflects our commitment to the environment.
• Emphasising durability, we design products that last longer, reducing waste and encouraging a culture of sustainability.
• We've enhanced our on-site recycling efforts, ensuring proper waste management within our operational processes.

Looking Ahead:

• Tibard is in the process of developing a robust carbon emission reduction plan aimed at significantly lowering our environmental impact across all areas of operation.
• We are continuously exploring the expansion of our product offerings to include more eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring that our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every product we sell.
• Additionally, we plan to provide eco-friendly alternatives for our most popular products, giving our customers the power to choose sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
• Exploring eco-friendly packaging options and will begin trialling these solutions to reduce waste further and improve our overall environmental footprint.

Tibard's journey towards sustainability is ongoing and evolving. We are dedicated not only to enhancing our own practices but also to leading the uniform industry towards a more sustainable future. By choosing Tibard, our customers join us in this crucial mission, supporting a brand that is fully committed to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.