2024 Platinum
Table of Contents
- Recycled Packaging To Minimise Waste
- PFC-Free Water Repellent Technology
- Ethical Sourcing
- Biodegradable Natural Fibre Products
- Innovation Through Recycled Polyester
- Sustainability Without Compromising Quality
- Fair Treatment Of Employees
- Other Sustainable Golf Brands
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
In this modern day and age, consumers are becoming more and more eco-conscious in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices. While there are plenty of golf apparel brands that have made major steps towards improving their sustainability, there is one that stands out above the rest.
For decades, Glenmuir has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion and ethical practices. Our founder, Andrew MacDougall, formed the brand on the premise of taking care of his employees and the planet way back in 1891, and this has permeated through Glenmuir's history.
In this article, we will look at how Glenmuir maintains its role as a leader in eco-friendly golf apparel. Let's learn about the company's commitment to the environment, as well as its innovative recycled polyester, ethical sourcing practices and so much more!
Recycled Packaging To Minimise Waste
With landfills worldwide filling up with useless bits of plastic from packaging, reducing waste should be a major goal for all companies, no matter the industry. That's why Glenmuir has completely done away with any unnecessary packaging and paper.
Any remaining bags needed for packaging are made from recycled material and inks. We are exceptionally proud to print our bags and all collection brochures using a carbon-neutral process.
Plus, when you order a piece of Glenmuir golf apparel, it will arrive at the delivery address in pristine condition, in a recycled bag - check out the message on the back. However, it won't be covered in mountains of bubble wrap or any other unnecessary plastic items.
PFC-Free Water Repellent TechnologyGlenmuir is proud of its PFC-Free finishes that actively repel water, soil, wind, and stains whilst maintaining a soft touch. The problem with PFCsPerfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a class of synthetic compounds that are made from thousands of chemicals and carbon chains. These man-made chemicals aren't just harmful to humans, but they can impact animal and environmental health, too. Some of the negative side-effects of PFCs include:
Unfortunately, PFCs are often found in water-repellent clothing. Many people don't think about the potential harm that can come from the clothing they wear. While clothing labels typically list all the textiles a garment is made from, no warning is required should a clothing item contain PFCs. Glenmuir is PFC-FreeAll the water-repellent and waterproof products in Glenmuir's golf outerwear collection and Sunderland of Scotland waterproofs and outerwear use PFC-Free water-repellent technology, including Bionic Finish ECO and Teflon EcoElite. Glenmuir's PFC-Free, durable and repellent finishes use plant-based technology that protects you and the environment. |
Ethical Sourcing
Many textile companies take the opportunity to maximise profits and enhance operational efficiency by sourcing materials from questionable places. This is not the case for Glenmuir, as we prioritise ethical sourcing for our golf clothing.
100% lambswool golf sweaters
Glenmuir maintains its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing with our 100% lambswool sweaters, proudly made in Scotland. Only the strongest, finest fibres are ethically sourced from British sheep. Plus, they are Woolmark certified, using the finest 100% pure new wool from renewable sources.
The fibres are then spun in Yorkshire before being sent to Scotland. Here, they are knitted by craftsmen who use fully fashioned knitting techniques to efficiently shape the product, resulting in a perfect fit. Not only does this ensure the longevity of the sweater, but it also means that the process produces little to no waste.
The products are finished with embroidery and final perfecting processes at Glenmuir’s Lanark factory. This helps reduce the product's carbon footprint, as well as provides full traceability and transparency throughout our supply chain - quite literally from sheep to shop.
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Merino wool golf sweaters
Glenmuir is well-known for its luxurious and soft merino wool sweaters, which are crafted from fibres that are ethically and sustainably sourced from Australian merino wool and are Woolmark certified. Woolmark certification means that the 100% pure new wool has come from a renewable source.
The fibres are spun into yarn and knitted in Italy by craftsmen and women with skills passed down through generations. These artisans use fully fashioned knitting techniques to ensure reduced waste throughout the production process.
The end result is a piece of knitwear that offers a long-lasting, perfect fit with strong seams for durability. The products are finished with embroidery and final perfecting processes at Glenmuir’s Lanark factory before they make their way into your wardrobe.
100% cotton golf clothing
Known for its breathability and affordability, cotton is a fabric that's popular among golfers and other sportspeople. Glenmuir offers a variety of cotton collections, including a diverse range of high-quality men's cotton sweaters.
Glenmuir sources all of its cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) circular ecosystem, which helps communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment. Glenmuir's cotton knitwear is also hand-knitted using fully fashioned techniques for more durable seams, the perfect fit, and reduced production wastage.
The products are finished with embroidery and final perfecting processes at Glenmuir’s Lanark factory. The entire process is completely traceable and transparent, which adds to our brand's authenticity, trustworthiness, and overall sustainability.
Biodegradable Natural Fibre Products
Did you know that plastic-based fabrics, like polyester, can take anywhere between 20 and 200 years to decompose? When you consider the fact that Brits throw away an estimated 300,000 tonnes of clothing every year, it's easy to see how this is a recipe for disaster.
The fashion industry is known for being incredibly wasteful, but sustainable brands want to create a low impact on the environment. Glenmuir does this by offering a large line of natural fibre products that would eventually biodegrade if they ended up in a landfill.
Natural fibres, like lamsbwool, merino wool, linen, and cotton, are typically biodegradable as no changes have been made to their cellulose structure. This allows them to break down in an anaerobic environment, making them the less wasteful choice.
Innovation Through Recycled Polyester
Since so much polyester fabric is thrown out every year, Glenmuir has decided to turn this waste into a fabric source, giving it a second life. Glenmuir's new recycled polyester yarn will help revolutionise the sports clothing industry and lead the way for other companies to take waste management seriously.
Some of the benefits of recycled polyester include:
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Reduced landfill waste
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Energy-efficient production process
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No virgin polyester is needed
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Lower carbon emissions
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Less water usage in the production process
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Durable material that is easy to care for
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Quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking
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Affordable
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Good option for sensitive skin
In the next decade or so, it's expected that recycled polyester garments will experience a surge in popularity thanks to their eco-friendly properties.
Sustainability Without Compromising Quality
There is a common misconception that recycled and sustainable materials aren't strong or durable. The truth is that most environmentally friendly companies want their products to be as durable as possible so that their items don't end up in a landfill somewhere. The aim is to increase the clothing's life cycle so that it can be used for many years to come.
However, investing in sustainable golf apparel doesn't mean that you have to compromise on comfort, quality, or style. Whether you are looking for a basic polo shirt, high-tech outerwear, or other golfing garments, you can find a sustainable version in your preferred colour and size.
Here at Glenmuir, we offer an extensive collection of sustainable clothing for golfers in the UK and beyond. You can rest assured that our customers enjoy unparalleled quality and dozens of styles and patterns to choose from. Our items are also designed with performance in mind, and you'll always enjoy a comfortable round of golf in your Glenmuir apparel.
Fair Treatment Of Employees
When you hear the word 'sustainable', you probably think about things like minimised water usage, efficient waste management, and ethically sourced materials. However, sustainability also extends to how employers treat their employees. Employees should be provided with a decent wage and safe working conditions at the very least.
When Glenmuir was founded in 1891, Andrew MacDougall wrote a letter to his staff, which outlined their importance to him. He offered them medical assistance if they were ever ill and always treated them with dignity and respect.
To this day, Glenmuir remains a family run business with staff members feeling very much a part of the family. When you support Glenmuir, you can rest assured that you are supporting a company that treats its employees with the respect they deserve and creates a welcoming, safe and joyful working environment for team members every day.
Other Sustainable Golf Brands
While Glenmuir is a leader in sustainable golf clothing in the UK, there are a few other golf apparel brands that use recycled materials and sustainable fabrics in their designs.
Galvin Green has a longstanding commitment to sustainability as well as Radmor, Ocean Tee Golf and Reflo, which makes its clothing items from recycled polyester and other sustainable fabrics. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing brands to choose from and there is a sustainable golf apparel brand to suit every budget and style preference.
FAQsDoes eco-friendly golf apparel cost more?Yes, eco-friendly golf apparel typically costs more than fast fashion golf brands. This is because the materials like natural fibres and recycled materials cost more to produce and are sourced ethically and employees are paid fair wages. However, there are plenty of golf apparel companies that offer clothing that is both affordable and sustainable. Is eco-friendly golf apparel worth it?Yes, when you support sustainable brands within the golf industry, you'll enjoy quality fabrics and long-lasting clothing. This type of golf clothing is designed to stand the test of time. Just make sure you follow all washing and drying instructions carefully. Remember that when it comes to clothing, it is always best to favour quality instead of quantity. Why have several low-quality items when you could have one or two items that will last for decades if not longer? Many of our Glenmuir sweaters are known to last 20 years! How do I know if a golf clothing brand is sustainable or not?You can determine whether or not a golf apparel brand is sustainable by looking at product compositions, its website and reading about its history and commitment to sustainability. You want to support brands that make use of sustainable materials, renewable energy, and recycled materials. You can also read reviews online to determine what experts think of a particular brand's ethical practices. What is 'greenwashing'?Greenwashing is a term used to describe a practice that's used by companies to make them appear more sustainable than they really are. They may use buzzwords like 'sustainability' and 'green' but when you focus on their products, sourcing and manufacturing, you'll realise that their sustainability is more of a facade. |
Final Thoughts
As a consumer, you have the responsibility to support golf brands that have as little environmental impact as possible, keeping our fairways looking green. Fortunately, you have plenty of amazing options to choose from and you don't ever have to compromise style and design when shopping sustainably.
Brands like Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland, which make use of sustainable materials, allow you to look fashionable on the golf course while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. It's always a good idea to do a bit of research into the brands you're thinking of purchasing from before you commit to supporting them.
While the low prices and rapid-fire trends of the fast golf fashion industry can be appealing, remember to consider their lack of environmental friendliness and how their employees are treated. Whether you're shopping for golf shirts, outerwear, knitwear, trousers or golf accessories, there is always a sustainable option available.
