What Sustainability means at Robert Mackie of Scotland
Our approach to sustainability
At Robert Mackie of Scotland, sustainability means balancing environmental responsibility, social well-being and economic success. By using natural fibres we minimise our environmental impact. We are committed to responsible practices, ensuring long-term business resilience and protecting our planet for future generations.
We like to keep it natural
We prioritise using natural fibres to reduce reliance on synthetic, non-biodegradable materials. Minimising waste in our production process is essential and we ensure waste is responsibly disposed of or recycled.
We are focused on reducing our factory’s carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices and exploring renewable energy options where possible.
As part of this commitment, we have made a considerable investment in a new electric wash plant, significantly reducing our reliance on gas. We also operate on a green energy tariff, further lowering our environmental impact and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
People are the heart of everything we do
We are committed to fair labour practices and ensuring our employees have a safe, healthy and inclusive environment. We operate in line with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, supporting human rights and ethical working conditions. Our commitment is reinforced by our participation in SEDEX audits.
As a Living Wage employer, we ensure all employees are paid fairly in line with the actual cost of living, not just the legal minimum. This reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and ethical workplace practices, supporting our team both inside the factory and beyond.
Supporting the local community and strengthening the regional economy are core to our values, reflecting our long-standing presence in the area. We also support youth employment by continuing to offer internships and experience scheme opportunities within the business, helping young people gain valuable skills and insight into the industry.
Where Quality Meets Sustainability
Long-term profitability is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with sustainable practices. We integrate these practices to maintain quality, efficiency and customer trust. Through product design and production, we meet the growing demand for sustainable products without compromising the quality our customers expect.
For us, sustainability also means making products that last. Our products are built to be durable, so they can be worn and loved for years to come, helping to reduce waste and encourage more thoughtful buying.
As members of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) and Woolmark licensees, we align with internationally recognised standards that promote responsible sourcing and fibre quality.
We’re not standing still
We’ve developed a Sustainability Action Plan for 2025 that focuses on reducing emissions and energy use. supporting a safe, inclusive and ethical workplace and promoting circularity through waste reduction and responsible resource management.
As part of our continuous improvement, we are proud to be part of the Net Zero Nation Accelerator Programme, helping SME’s across the UK reduce emissions and share best practices to move towards their Net Zero goals. The programme is delivered in partnership with Net Zero International, which provides expert guidance on carbon accounting and reduction planning, aligned with international standards. Since our benchmark year, we have reduced our carbon emissions by nearly 30%, and continue to monitor our progress through a dedicated carbon emissions dashboard.
Each year through the programme, we receive a tailored Carbon Reduction Plan that includes a full footprint assessment, updated reduction targets and practical steps to further decarbonise our operations. Our 2024 plan focused on energy efficiency, transitioning to electric systems and beginning to track more Scope 3 emissions.
Our target is to half our emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2045, in line with Scotland national goals.
This partnership is helping us accelerate meaningful action, reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future - for our business and our community.
Read our Sustainability Policy to learn more about our environmental commitments.
