As a UK uniform manufacturer and supplier, we at Tibard know the future sustainability of textiles is both local and global. As part of our ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero by 2045, we have identified three key areas that we need to target, these are:

·         Garment Manufacturing & Sourcing

·         Transport, Vehicles & Distribution

·         Electricity & Gas Consumption

We are delighted to announce that we have now taken a significant step towards achieving Net Zero for our Electricity & Gas Consumption. Namely, the installation of solar panels across our facility roof with a full integrated battery system.

This has been a major undertaking throughout the Summer 2026 with 201 individual panels being installed. However, the results will be enormously beneficial. Our predictions are that 60% of our energy consumption will now be drawn from these panels, greatly reducing our reliance on the National Grid. In principle, these new panels will generate 61,000 kWh of 100% renewable electricity.

Since install, the new system has so far produced 7,883.9 kWH which has accounted for over 97% of our electricity consumption. This is the equivalent of 92 trees being planted. In addition, because of the integrated battery solution, the electricity generated throughout the day has been stored and used to maintain key power systems overnight meaning no use of the grid at all out of hours. However, the record-breaking summer has been driving this but it nevertheless illustrates the impact this initiative will have on our energy usage over many years.

In addition to the above development, we are also excited to share that we are well ahead of our Carbon Reduction Plan. By the end of 2025 we have reduced our emissions across the three key areas by 42% which was our target for 2030. A concerted effort has been made across the board to achieve this.

Firstly, we have entirely phased out all diesel and petrol vehicles from our managed fleet. Our delivery partner for the UK is DPD, who’s own fleet is 35.9% EV and 37% of their HGVs utilise hydrotreated vegetable oil as a diesel alternative. Our supply chain too, relies primarily on ship based freight which has significant carbon reduction improvements and as we continue to build a robust infrastructure to monitor our global partners we are expecting some exciting developments on their side as well.

In our production, we have been developing several eco alternatives to our traditional range, we have transitioned several of our flagship chef jackets, trousers and aprons to 65% recycled polyester and 35% BCI cotton. This fabric blend requires 53% less energy to produce than our previous material and utilises plastics that would have otherwise been destined for waste. We are confident that in the future, this transition will be applied to even more garments, without impacting the price.

At Tibard we are passionate about making the necessary adjustments to ensure our long term sustainability. Every aspect of our business is being rigorously analysed and adapted to achieve this goal and this latest solar project is yet another step in the right direction.