Our positive net impact on the world is confirmed by the Upright Project
We have teamed up with the Upright Project to evaluate the impact of our operations. The Upright Net Impact model assesses the resources we use and the value we generate with those in four dimensions: society, knowledge, health, and environment. According to the model, our overall net impact on the world is net positive – a result less evident in the textile industry.
The model utilises machine-learning-based technology to process knowledge from millions of scientific articles to measure our products and services’ negative and positive impacts. It covers the entire life cycle from raw materials to the use of our services and the final disposal of products.
Driving social progress: a positive impact of jobs, taxes and societal infrastructure
As a service company, we employ thousands of people directly and indirectly. So, it is not surprising that our most positive societal impact stems from the jobs and taxes we create in our entire value chain. Directly, we employed 4,700 employees and paid 135 million euros in taxes in 2023. Beyond these metrics, our workwear supports vital societal infrastructure, aiding professionals in construction, nursing, and other essential fields.
The positive impact of the taxes we generate annually in our entire value chain could provide 557,000 days of primary education or health care for 61,800 people.
Enhancing health and safety with our products and services
Our products and services impact positively on people’s health and safety. The protective features of our workwear, such as flame resistance and high visibility, safeguard workers from injuries and hazards. Our hygiene workwear is vital in preventing contamination and disease in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Our cotton towel rolls also promote hand hygiene, reducing the spread of illnesses.
Beyond physical diseases, our products also contribute to overall well-being. Research shows that functional interior design, where our mats and cotton towel rolls contribute, positively impacts people’s good mood at work and in public spaces. Our hotel textiles enhance the joy and meaning people experience while travelling.
Our contributions to physical diseases are equivalent to saving 1,000 life years or providing 955,000 mosquito nets.
Environmental benefits of circular business model
Like most companies, we use natural resources to provide our products and services. We need raw materials to manufacture our textiles, and we need water and energy to wash them and generate positive contributions, for example to people’s health and safety. However, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact.
Our circular business model contributes positively to the environment, as it extends the lifespan of textiles, reduces the need to manufacture new textiles, and decreases the amount of waste. As the Upright Net Impact model does not consider that we already recycle 74% of our textile waste, our impact on waste reduction and the use of natural resources could be even higher.
See the results of 40,000 other companies and us on the Upright Net Impact platform!
Related
