Sustainable Uniforms at Mermaid Quay

Challenge

Mermaid Quay, located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, is committed to championing sustainability initiatives and reducing the worldwide plastics problem. A major environmental objective for Mermaid Quay is to decrease the number of plastics going to landfill by enhancing recycling efforts. They aim for initiatives that are simple, sensible, and easily implemented.

Solution

ABM's dedication to sustainability includes collaborating with suppliers to ensure the use of environmentally friendly goods and products. Knowing Mermaid Quay's commitment to reducing plastic usage, ABM proposed issuing new uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles to the on-site teams.

ABM partnered with Regatta and their Honestly Made clothing line, which is the only workwear brand to offer 100% recycled fabrics and insulation. Regatta's values and commitment to the environment align with those of ABM and Mermaid Quay.

Initially, there was skepticism regarding the comfort and appearance of the uniforms, as the cleaning and security teams are customer-facing. However, when the samples arrived, the quality and look of the material, made from recycled plastic, were impressive and indistinguishable from non-recycled materials.

Benefits

- Reduced Environmental Impact: The soft-shell jackets recycle 40–50 plastic bottles each, and other garments reuse at least 15 plastic bottles.
- Substantial Plastic Diversion: With one order of uniforms, including additional sets for the 20-member team, approximately 1,600 plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Adopting this new range of uniforms is one of the ways Mermaid Quay contributes to combating environmental pollution and plastic waste.

Simon Whiting, Mermaid Quay Centre Manager, noted, "Being in the heart of the Cardiff Bay environment, our entire management team is committed to sustainability initiatives and playing our part in the global fight against plastics and environmental pollution. Regrettably, we see much plastic wash up, and witnessing the impact it has on nature makes us more determined to try and help. Adopting this new range of uniform is one way in which we can do so."

Find out how we can make it possible for you by visiting [ABM.co.uk](https://www.abm.co.uk).