Johnstons of Elgin Sustainable Initiatives

SUSTAINABILITY

MANUFACTURING WASTE

SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULARITY ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF TODAY’S FASHION AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, BUT AT JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN, THE CONCEPTS ARE FAR FROM NEW TO US.

The reduction of manufacturing waste and the regeneration of resources is inherent to our business. Our beautifully crafted designs are made using natural, renewable fibres inside our own Scottish mills, allowing us to control our manufacturing processes.

97% OF OUR MANUFACTURING WASTE IS RECYCLED TO CREATE OTHER PRODUCTS.
A SMALL AMOUNT OF EXCESS YARN IS INEVITABLE, AND WE ENDEAVOUR TO FIND ALTERNATIVE USES FOR AS MUCH OF IT AS WE CAN. WE USE SURPLUS YARN TO CREATE HIGH QUALITY, LIMITED EDITION PIECES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICES.

BATCH ENDS OF YARN AND CUT-OFFS ARE REUSED AND RE-DYED TO PRODUCE SALE-LINE SCARVES AND OTHER PRODUCTS.
WASTE FIBRE IS USED IN FILLINGS OR AS INSULATION WHERE POSSIBLE.
WE ARE ALSO FOCUSSING ON OUR PACKAGING MATERIALS' CONTRIBUTION TO WASTE STREAMS BEYOND OUR PREMISES AND CONTROL. OUR CARDBOARD PACKAGING IS MADE FROM RECYCLED CARDBOARD, AND WE HAVE DEVELOPED A SIMPLE AND ELEGANT WAY TO CLOSE OUR GIFT BOXES, REMOVING THE NEED FOR MAGNETS.
OTHER PAPER USE IN THE COMPANY INCLUDES ONLY FSC-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS, AND WE ARE MOVING TO END THE USE OF NON-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

YARN BUNDLES FOR CRAFTING ARE POPULAR IN OUR MILL SHOPS.
EXCESS CASHMERE FROM OUR HAND KNITTED BABY PIECES IS WOUND INTO BALLS AND SOLD IN OUR ELGIN MILL SHOP.
A MINIMAL QUANTITY OF WASTE IS SENT TO LANDFILL FROM OUR SITES, AND WE HAVE TARGETS IN PLACE TO REDUCE THIS FURTHER. WE MANAGE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS USING THE ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD.