As the UK’s leading supplier of linens to the hotel and hospitality sectors, it will come as little surprise that Richard Haworth is leading the way when it comes to sustainable innovation and bringing eco-friendly options to market.
Following demand for less plastics to be used in products, the linen manufacturer recently launched the Natural Eco Slipper – made from a natural jute outer and cotton fabric liner for comfort. The Eco Slipper’s sole is produced using naturally derived coir – a fibre extracted from the husk of a coconut – making the product both biodegradable and recyclable.
The Manchester based business, which earlier in 2022 announced a milestone in its commitment to purchasing at least half of its total cotton from BCI farmers within the next five years, explained that the Natural Eco Slipper is its latest sustainability initiative.
Raj Ruia, Managing Director, commented: “Sustainability is something we care about deeply as we are striving to create and sell the most sustainable products possible, and move the industry to a more sustainable future.
“We’re happy to be able to offer a biodegradable slipper product to customers, as everyone in the industry looks for alternatives to non-recyclable, single-use slippers. We believe our new natural product provides a real solution to this problem and this is a big step towards enabling many hotels and spas to create a more sustainable offering.”
Many Richard Haworth products are manufactured in the UK and all are designed with the quality and durability that prestigious hotels require, with a range of products to suit every budget, style and need.
Along with launching the Natural Eco-Slipper, this year Richard Haworth also marked 10 years of operating with its Ethical Trading Policy, which was originally formed as part of its wider CSR goals of being a sustainable manufacturer and supplier.
Part of the Ruia Group, Richard Haworth’s policy is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative’s Base Code, which advises organisations how to develop and implement responsible sourcing and purchasing practices. It draws on the findings of a major supplier survey conducted by the Ethical Trading Initiatives of Denmark, Norway and the UK and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2016.
The policy means that Richard Haworth’s entire supply chain – from raw materials through to finished goods – are abiding by employment legislation, internationally agreed conditions of good employment and are providing the best conditions for workers across all areas, whether that’s pay, fair opportunity or safety.
“All of our suppliers, both present and future, are expected to operate in accordance with our ethical trading standards as a prerequisite,” explained Raj. “For the past decade, before trading, we seek certain written assurances from suppliers and trading partners, and will only trade with companies who demonstrate that they meet our guiding values; complying to local employment laws and making provision for safe working environments.”
As part of its commitment to trading ethically and sustainably, Richard Haworth requires all suppliers to join an online platform for transparent and ongoing sharing and auditing of ethical practices, and the business has confirmed it will suspend contracts with those suppliers who fail to meet the required standards.
Raj added: “All workers should be free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity. By putting ethical trading at the core of our business for so many years, we can continue to produce products which hospitality clients and general consumers can have confidence in.”
To view Richard Haworth’s Natural Eco slipper and purchase online visit www.richardhaworth.co.uk/bath-linen/slippers