More than three quarters of UK manufacturing leaders believe sustainability is driven more by brand image than meaningful action, according to new research commissioned by MyWorkwear.
The survey found broad support for sustainability in principle, with 92% of respondents agreeing it should be a business priority. Delivery remains less consistent, however, with 65% saying sustainability is actively treated as a priority and 54% reporting measurable targets.
Rising costs have pushed sustainability down the agenda for many manufacturers. Over recent years, 61% said their focus had declined because of operating cost pressure and the cost of sustainable alternatives, while 49% cited time constraints, 33% pointed to lack of knowledge, and 30% identified limited availability of sustainable options.
James Worthington, Co-Owner at MyWorkwear, said: “Manufacturers are under constant pressure to balance operational efficiency with cost control, so it’s no surprise that sustainability efforts can slip down the priority list when margins are tight.
“However, what this research highlights is that the intention is absolutely there, what’s missing is the ability to consistently translate that into action.”
The findings also show that sustainability measures are not always experienced as a cost penalty once adopted. More than six in ten manufacturers reported cost benefits from more sustainable practices, suggesting that investment decisions are often constrained by upfront affordability rather than by the absence of operational return.
Energy use remains the main area of attention, cited by 68% of respondents, followed by waste reduction at 63%. Packaging, supply chain improvements, workwear, and travel emissions were also identified as areas where manufacturers are applying changes.
Worthington said external requirements, including ESG frameworks, tender conditions, and customer expectations, are often shaping sustainability activity before it becomes embedded in daily decision-making. In workwear, where procurement changes can be made without redesigning entire production processes, durability, recycled fabrics, and responsible sourcing are among the more immediate options available.
Nearly half of manufacturing leaders already consider sustainability when purchasing workwear, while 72% actively re-use or recycle garments. Demand is also developing, with 65% saying they would choose more sustainable workwear if it were more readily available.
The availability finding places pressure on suppliers as well as manufacturers. If sustainable products are to move from occasional procurement choice to routine operating practice, they must be easier to source, clearly specified, and priced close enough to conventional alternatives for stretched manufacturers to adopt them at scale.
The full survey is available through The MyWorkwear Sustainability Report 2026.
