4 Companies in the UK Putting Sustainability at the Core of Their Business Models

Sustainability in business is more important than ever before. Today’s consumers and clients are demanding more sustainable action from businesses across the UK. People are fed-up of greenwashing and, understandably, want to see real action being taken. 

As such, brands are pushing transparency, demonstrating proof of their efforts, and widely promoting their social contributions. In doing so, they maintain the trust of their stakeholders, attract new customers, impress their clients, and support what’s important to their employees. 

In this article, we will be talking about companies in the UK who are putting sustainability at the core of their business models. 

1. Gail’s Bakery 

Artisan bakeries seem to be popping up all around the UK as the popularity of sourdough bread, pizza bases, and cheese straws continue to grow. One such bakery is GAIL’s Bakery. This little powerhouse has been gathering traction around the UK for the past few years, opening bakeries in London, Brighton, Wokingham, Farnham, and Oxford. 

One of the most impressive things about Gail’s bakery isn’t the bread (although it’s a close second!), it’s the bakery’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. Gail’s bakery works hard to ensure sustainability remains at the core of their business model. As such, they donate all their leftover food to local charities and use packaging, such as biodegradable cups, that are made from sugarcane waste in order to reduce waste being sent to landfill. 

Another sustainable initiative launched by Gail’s Bakery, called Waste Bread, saw their leftover sourdough loaves (those that hadn’t been sold the day before) being reused. In their own words, “to make the Waste Bread, we take yesterday’s unsold loaves and turn them into breadcrumbs, before making a porridge-like mixture with them. The breadcrumb porridge is then added to a fresh white sourdough dough, with the waste bread making up around a third of each new loaf. It’s then proved, shaped and baked, and at 750g, it’s larger than our other loaves.” 

With sustainable initiatives like these, it’s no surprise that Gail’s Bakery is one of the UK’s most impressive businesses and is trail blazing the way for others to follow. 

2. The Secret City 

So often, team building events in the workplace are focused on people having a good time and are not driven by sustainability. The Secret City is a company hoping to change that! They believe organisations should prioritise fun and exciting outings for their employees that also help take care of the planet. 

That’s why they have created London treasure hunt team building events all across the city of London. These treasure hunts allow participants to solve puzzles on their phone and explore some of London’s most incredible locations (all on foot!), taking in the sights and making the most of a team building experience that has next to no environmental impact. 

The Secret City’s commitment to sustainability really shows in the thoughtful way the company has incorporated sightseeing, team building activities, and sustainability. There are so many locations to choose from and plenty to see and do while you’re there! 

3. My Wardrobe HQ 

Sustainable fashion increasingly matters to today’s consumers. Shoppers – particularly the younger generation – are keen to support brands doing their bit to help the environment. In fact, according to research carried out by Vogue, consumers say, “sustainability is an important factor when making a fashion purchase, from 65 per cent in October 2020 to 69 per cent in May 2021.” 

And this is exactly why clothing brands with sustainability at the core of their business models are seeing such success in the wider market. One such company is called My Wardrobe HQ and they are truly leading the way for other fashion brands to follow. 

This company has developed its very own clothing rental scheme. So, rather than having customers purchase clothing items that will inevitably end up in landfill, My Wardrobe HQ allows everyone from the individual shopper through to large brands to rent garments, rather than buying them brand new off the rack. This reduces clothing waste, reuses and recycles much-loved garments, and helps extend the life cycle of a garment quite significantly. 

Not only is My Wardrobe HQ leading the way for other brands to follow, it is also encouraging a more sustainable mindset in many of its consumers. This is doing the world of good for the environment and helping reduce the problem of a throw-away economy. 

4. H&M 

H&M is one of those brands that needs no introduction. It’s a clothing brand that is well-known and well loved across the UK. However, since the rise in consumer outcry for the prioritisation of sustainability, H&M has made significant changes to its business processes and developed a far more transparent approach overall.  

H&M famously has some of the most ambitious sustainability goals in the fashion industry. The organisation is aiming to use 100% recyclable or sustainably sourced clothing materials by 2030. This goal, among numerous others, will help consumers understand where their clothing comes from and appreciate the environmental impact of each garment. 

Although H&M were not considered one of the most sustainable brands to start with, the positive changes they are making and the transparency they are showing is having a hugely positive impact on their customers and many have remained loyal to their brand as a result. 

Final Words 

These are just some of the UK companies that are putting sustainability at the core of their business models. There are many more out there. Sustainability will remain a key issue for many businesses and individuals in the years to come as we all battle with what we can do to make a positive and lasting difference for the planet.