At Work+Shelter, we take pride in creating ethical and sustainable products that align with our clients' values while contributing to a greater cause. Increasingly client partners are targeting to align their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals with their supply chains.

To that end, we recently collaborated with a leading distributor based in the Chicagoland area on an exciting project for a large accounting firm with global offices. At the time this distributor was working with their team to decide on a holiday gift for the accounting firm's employees and approached Work+Shelter to see if we could help.

Sarita models an RPET jacket made by the Work+Shelter team.

The Project: Custom Jackets for Their Global Teams

The client's initial goal was to produce high-quality jackets for their teams by sourcing them from China. However, the team was concerned about the challenges of exporting from China and importing to India, especially given that the Indian government taxes imported soft goods.

The distributor initially asked us to produce the jackets for the Indian offices. However, as discussions progressed, they decided to produce jackets for their entire global team in India. Work+Shelter custom-produced nearly 6,000 jackets, shipping nearly 5,000 of them to the distributor's partner warehouse in the US, while locally distributing the remaining 20% to three offices in India.

Embroidered logo

A Mission-Driven Collaboration

By aligning their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals with Work+Shelter's production capabilities, the project took on a mission-driven approach that emphasized:

Environmentally responsible

Prioritized sustainable materials such as RPET (Recycled Polyester) and zippers made from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Reduced environmental impact by producing locally for a portion of the global team, minimizing logistical emissions.
Social Impact

Fair wages for the women in India, ensuring every worker involved in production was paid equitably.
Empowering the women by providing meaningful work for personal and professional growth.
Governance

Collaborated with a women-owned and managed organization, promoting gender equity in business partnerships.
Enhanced accountability through transparent production practices and ethical sourcing

Partnering with Work+Shelter has enabled the firm to not only procure high-quality jackets for its global teams but also demonstrated a strong commitment to these impactful initiatives that align with its core value.

Hemlata finishing a jacket with a press from an iron.

Proactively Upgrading the Supply Chain

The client had a specific jacket style in mind, originally made with virgin polyester, a material that does not align with Work+Shelter’s sustainability standards. We proposed using RPET (Recycled Polyester) along with eco-friendly zippers made from post-consumer plastic bottles. This adjustment set a new benchmark for sustainability in the design. By switching to RPET, we repurposed thousands of plastic bottles, with every three full zippers made from a single recycled plastic bottle.

Learn more about our recycled zippers here.

We choose to use RPET because up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined in the design phase, including the materials and dyes used. By opting for RPET, which requires 85% less energy, 90% less water, and produces 65% fewer emissions compared to virgin polyester, we significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our products from the very start. The material also ended up having a soft, brushed hand feel and the jackets themselves were designed to be durable, stylish, and comfortable.

Customization in Every Detail

At Work+Shelter we offer a variety of customization options that allow you to personalize your apparel in a way that aligns with your brand’s image and values. For this particular project, the customization options include:

Embroidery:

Embroidery adds a high-quality, durable touch to your apparel. Whether it’s a logo, slogan, or intricate design, our embroidery process ensures that each detail is crisp and long-lasting. This method is perfect for adding a professional, polished look to your jackets, making them stand out in any corporate or casual setting.
Heat Transfer:

Our heat transfer process is ideal for achieving vibrant, full-color designs. This technique uses heat and pressure to apply your artwork directly to the fabric, resulting in sharp, fade-resistant graphics. Heat transfer is especially effective for intricate or multi-color designs, offering flexibility and versatility in the customization process.
Special Side Seam Label Insert:

To highlight the ethical craftsmanship behind these jackets, we added a custom side seam label insert. This label serves as a reminder that the jackets were ethically made in India by Work+Shelter.

These customization options let you create functional apparel that reflects your organization’s brand and mission, with every detail, whether simple or intricate to be carefully considered and expertly executed.

Heat transfer label and side seam label insert.

Creating Apparel That Matters

At Work+Shelter, we strive to create products that positively impact the planet and its people. By using sustainable materials like RPET and upholding fair labor practices, we ensure that every item we produce supports environmental and social good. Projects like this showcase the impact of collaborating with organizations committed to sustainability and thoughtful design in corporate apparel.

Feeling inspired by this story and interested in working with Work+Shelter on apparel for your organization?

Get in touch today! Or email us at hello@workshelter.co.