Images_Digital_Edition_November_2019

www.images-magazine.com NOVEMBER 2019 images 21 KB INDUSTRY EVENT presented the new ‘Reborn’ initiative to recycle old schoolwear into polymer for other uses such as furniture. “This gives it an opportunity for another life after the garments have been worn,” Rowena explained. “A lot of schools are really engaged with that. We are talking to schools about how to do it logistically.” School knitwear specialist Rowlinson promoted the ethical and sustainable aspects of its business, including its new range of blazers and jackets with outers made of recycled polyester. “The eco story is about the product, but we are talking about it more widely than that including the people who make the product – making sure they are looked after and working in the right conditions,” said sales and marketing director Matt Clark. As it works towards becoming Carbon Neutral by the end of 2019 and achieving B Corporation ethical certification, the company highlighted how it gained certification to The Planet Mark sustainability programme in September. “It’s an ongoing journey,” Matt said. “There is momentum coming from our customer base. We sell into retailers who are having conversations with schools who N early 50 exhibitors filled Cranmore Park exhibition centre in Solihull in the West Midlands over three days in October, where suppliers showcased new products and the very latest innovations in school uniforms and accessories. Sustainability was a recurrent theme at this year’s event, with recycled polyester taking the starring role. Recycled polyester Trutex exhibited with the message ‘Nurture the Future’ to highlight how sustainability informs its whole business, including new additions to its ranges. Instead of a traditional mix of cotton and polyester, the brand has introduced polo shirts and sweatshirts made with 100% recycled polyester manufactured using PET polymer from plastic bottles. The label and trim are made from recycled fabric and even the label cord is wax. “They have a very good hand feel,” noted marketing manager Rowena Allen, adding that, “they’ve been very well received.” Trutex has also added fabric made with a mix of recycled polyester and sustainably sourced viscose for its skirts and boys’ trousers. In addition, it We report on the new products and trends at this year’s event Review: The Schoolwear Show2019 want their uniforms sourced ethically due to pressure from the kids. ”Sustainability was at the heart of David Luke’s main stand where it began celebrations of its 10-year “eco-versary”, having introduced recycled polyester to its range in 2010. Again using recycled polyester, it unveiled the new eco senior trousers, senior straight skirt and senior stitched-down knife pleat skirt which, when paired with its jackets, create sustainable ‘eco suits’. “We have been asked for it, but it took a while to develop it to ensure it was comfortable,” explained marketing manager Bryony Pestell. All three will be available in dark grey initially but, based on feedback, may extend to navy and black. William Turner focused on what it is doing to “go green for future generations” on its stand. As well as introducing a new ‘cultural’ range such as longer-length garments and head scarves, it sought feedback on future ideas. These include made-to-order Eco ties, available in a wide range of shades, in recycled polyester, which will start entering the company’s stock range in 2020. Its stylish new Eco bags are also made of 100% recycled yarn, coming in a wide range of colours, while it has extended its portfolio with EcoPure biodegradable water bottles, made from BPA-free polyethylene. “The future is not just being eco but being biodegradable,” said managing director Dan Turner. “Demand is coming from retailers, schools and pupils themselves. It pushes up through the supply chain and we can now turn to our suppliers and talk to them about how they can help us do it.” Panel on sustainability