Corporate Social Responsibility


Sustainability Commitment Statement 

At Lyn Oakes Limited, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact and contribute positively to our planet. As a family business, we maintain a personal approach to our clothing services, products brand values. Our vision is to operate sustainably while providing high-quality clothing that meets our customers' needs. We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices and embracing innovative solutions to reduce our ecological footprint. Below are key areas where we are making significant strides towards sustainability:


Packaging

We prioritise eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce waste:

  • Recyclable Materials: All our packaging is fully recyclable. We ship our products in cardboard boxes, with paper swing tickets, that can be reused or recycled.
  • Sustainable Bags: We use paper bags that are recyclable or reusable, providing a greener alternative to plastic. All bespoke garments are delivered in breathable, reusable garment bags made from recycled Polypropylene fabric.
  • Biodegradable Tissue: We use biodegradable tissue paper, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Recycling

Our commitment to recycling is evident in our internal practices:

  • Cardboard Recycling: We have implemented a recycling scheme where cardboard is collected and recycled off-site. Cardboard boxes are reused where possible to minimise waste going to landfill.
  • Printing Practices: Employees are encouraged to print double-sided to reduce paper usage, contributing to our sustainability goals. Ink cartridges are recycled.

Energy and Carbon Reduction 

We actively seek to lower our carbon emissions and energy consumption: 

  • Eco-Friendly Shipping: All parcels are shipped via DPD or FedEx, both of which have dedicated carbon reduction initiatives. We prefer road or sea shipments to airfreight to minimise our carbon footprint.
  • Energy Efficiency: Our office and warehouse are equipped with energy-saving light bulbs, and all computers are set to standby mode and turned off at night to reduce energy usage.
  • Car Fleet: The fleet of company cars are modern hybrid vehicles, with stop-start enquires and ergonomic design to use less energy and fossil fuel.

Product Life-Cycle

We focus on extending the life-cycle of our garments through thoughtful practices:

  • Quality Garments: We are committed to producing high-quality clothing designed to last longer, reducing waste from fast fashion. From better raw materials we can make more hardwearing products.
  • Short Production Runs: By producing in smaller quantities, we minimise surplus stock and waste.
  • Carry-Over Designs: Many of the core Lyn Oakes designs are carried over onto the next season, year, and decade, meaning that they do not go out of fashion quickly or fall victim to trends.
  • Bespoke Tailoring: Our bespoke tailoring options are made to order, significantly reducing the likelihood of returns.
  • In-House Repairs: Our sewing room allows us to repair or amend garments, giving them a longer lifespan.
  • Resource Reuse: We keep excess fabrics and linings for reuse in other garments, maximising our resources.
  • Modern Manufacturing: We utilise digital printing, CAD design, and use electronic cutting machines to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in our bulk production processes.

Fabrics

We are dedicated to using sustainable fabrics that are better for the environment:

  • Natural Fibers: Many of our garments are made from 100% wool fabrics, a natural fiber known for its sustainability. Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic materials. It also regulates temperature and moisture, leading to less frequent washing and a longer garment life. Wool fabrics will start to decompose after 3-4 months of being in landfill.
  • Sustainable Buttons: We primarily use corozo nut buttons or recycled plastic buttons, which offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic buttons.
  • Natural Sourcing: We can source fabrics made from other natural fibers such as cotton, hemp and cashmere, all of which have a reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic options.
  • Recycled Fabrics: From our two main corporate suiting suppliers, we can provide formal suits made fully or partially from recycled fabrics, further promoting a circular economy.
  • Carbon Neutral Partnerships: One of our corporate suiting suppliers has partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to measure and offset their carbon footprint, striving to become certified as a Carbon Neutral Business.
  • Supplier Initiatives: Many of our suppliers and cloth mills adhere to their own environmental policies and initiatives, which we can provide upon request, showcasing our shared commitment to sustainability.
  • UK Woven Cloths: By reducing transportation distances, we significantly lower our carbon footprint, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping. Supporting local mills also fosters the UK textile industry, promoting job creation and economic growth within our communities. Furthermore, UK mills often adhere to stricter environmental regulations, ensuring that the fabrics we use are produced sustainably with minimal waste and responsible resource management. This commitment to local sourcing not only enhances the quality of our garments but also aligns with our mission to promote sustainable practices in every aspect of our business.

At Lyn Oakes Limited, we are committed to sustainability and strive to create a positive impact on the environment. We believe that every small change contributes to a larger goal, and we invite our employees, stakeholders, and customers to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future.