At NNT we know sustainability is important and we’re working hard to innovate across all areas of the business - including the fabrics we use. We’re proud to be leading the charge in the uniform industry with our two mindfully created fabrics, Georgie and Avignon. These revolutionary textiles look and feel great to wear, while boasting important certifications that provide our customers with credibility and assurance. Here’s what you need to know.
From bottles to tops
In 2021, NNT introduced two brand-new fabrics incorporating Regen® - a Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified recycled polyester, crafted entirely from post-consumer PET bottles. These plastic bottles are shredded, melted and spun into a super-soft yarn that has been used to create our comfortable yet durable and wrinkle-resistant textiles, Georgie and Avignon. Through the development and manufacture of these modern fabrics, NNT is reducing the number of PET bottles from landfill. In fact, the Regen® yarn received the world’s first GRS certification in the sector of recycled polyester fibre. This important certification proves the yarn has been rigorously tested and ensures our recycled polyester is never made from any new plastics.
Meet Georgie
Mindfully made from 100 percent Regen®, NNT’s lightweight georgette, Georgie, is a feelgood fabric that looks great, too. It boasts STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, ensuring high product safety, and is crafted entirely from recycled PET bottles. The resulting fabric is soft yet wrinkle resistant and offers a quick-dry finish, making it ideal for busy schedules. It’s further elevated with a Feran® Ice moisture-wicking finish for a fresh and comfortable feel against the skin. We’ve used the textile to craft everything from elegant blouses to flowing skirts that are built to last. Shop the Georgie range right here.
Discover Avignon
A fusion of natural Better Cotton (BC) cotton and Regen® recycled polyester, this high-tech shirting fabric delivers sustainable style. A hint of Elastane adds comfortable stretch while the pure cotton component ensures breathability and a timeless finish. Shop our extensive line of men’s and women’s Avignon shirts now.
A word on labelling
We’ve committed to rigorous testing and certification processes by reputable third-party organisations to ensure our sustainability claims can be verified and proven. But what do these labels mean?
Global Recycle Standard
The GRS is an international, voluntary standard that exists to define and verify recycled content used in products. It can also provide consumers with assurance that the product they are purchasing has been processed with sustainability in mind, reducing harmful impact on both people and the planet. Certifications such as this allow customers to make more informed decisions when shopping. Both Georgie and Avignon textiles proudly carry this certification.
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
This is one of the world's best-known labels that highlights textiles tested for harmful substances, guaranteeing high product safety. The certification means that every component of your garment has been rigorously tested for harmful substances and is harmless for human health. Testing is conducted by independent partner institutes based on extensive criteria often beyond current national and international requirements. Both Georgie and Avignon textiles also boast this certification.
Better Cotton
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), or simply Better Cotton (BC), is the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. It works with farmers across the globe to improve both the natural environment and their livelihoods, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry. Standards incorporate the use of pesticides; efficiency of water use and worker health and safety. The industry-wide network also includes cotton traders, manufacturers, spinners and brands or retailers. BC cotton is proudly included in all Avignon pieces.
What’s next?
NNT is already beginning to revise our top selling health industry uniforms to incorporate more sustainable yarns and fabrications without impacting their performance. Following the success of Avignon and Georgie, we’re working to update our best-selling polos and scrubs over the next two to four years. Recycled polyester has also found its way into all our woven clothing labels, and we have committed to increasing our Better Cotton range while supporting fabric innovation, too.
Find out more about our continuing commitment to sustainability – from our environmental and social impact to design innovation - by visiting The Good Thread on our website.
