We are proud to announce that DOC Cleaning has been awarded the Recognition for Sustainability Award at SMI’s inaugural ESG Exhibition on 4th September at BMA House in London. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of our business and showcases the power of collaboration in driving lasting impact.
A Milestone at the ESG Exhibition
The ESG Exhibition was created by SMI as a new platform to bring together customers, suppliers and partners to share ideas, celebrate achievements and accelerate progress in the sustainability space. The event highlighted organisations that are taking real, measurable steps toward positive change and offered the opportunity to learn from one another’s journeys.
For DOC Cleaning, receiving recognition at this first-of-its-kind event was especially meaningful. The award celebrates not only what we have achieved so far but also our determination to keep pushing forward in partnership with SMI and others who share our commitment to ESG principles.
Our Sustainability Journey
The impact of our partnership with SMI can be seen in the measurable outcomes we have achieved this year. These results demonstrate how our commitment to sustainable choices is delivering real progress.
Increased Adoption of Eco Products
At the core of this recognition is our recent work with SMI to adopt and integrate products from their Everyday Earth collection.
As part of this initiative, we launched a new sustainable uniform range for our cleaning operatives, designed to be both practical and environmentally responsible. These uniforms are produced using recycled materials, helping us to reduce waste and move closer to a circular approach in our operations.
The results of these initiatives clearly demonstrate the tangible impact of our commitment to sustainability. To date, we have ordered 350 eco products this year – a strong indicator of the growing confidence our teams and clients place in environmentally responsible solutions. This uptake shows that sustainable alternatives are not only viable but are increasingly becoming the preferred choice across our operations.
Transforming Waste Into Value
A total of 420 eco products have been produced using more than 300 recycled bottles. By repurposing plastic waste into high-performing products, we are actively supporting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
This approach not only helps cut down on waste but also demonstrates how innovative product design can turn discarded resources into practical, everyday solutions.
Accelerating Year-on-Year Progress
Compared with the same period last year, we have achieved a 132% increase in eco product adoption. This remarkable growth illustrates not just steady progress but a rapid acceleration in our transition toward more sustainable practices.
These achievements demonstrate the growing momentum behind sustainable choices within our business. They also highlight how seemingly small changes – like choosing eco-friendly uniforms and consumables – can deliver measurable environmental benefits at scale.
Recognition from SMI
Elizabeth Mellor, SMI’s Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement, praised the impact of our approach:
DOC Cleaning not only share our commitment to making a positive impact on the planet but also lead by example in embedding sustainability across their operations. Their dedication to integrating ESG principles into every facet of their business is both commendable and inspiring.
Her words underline the importance of leading by example and show that sustainability is no longer an optional extra, but instead a responsibility that businesses must embrace across every function.
SMI’s Key Account Manager, Graham O’Connor, also reflected on the strength of our shared vision:
We’re proud to celebrate the strength of our partnership with DOC Cleaning, built on our shared ESG ambitions and united commitment on our journey to net zero. Together, we’re showing how collaboration can create real, lasting impact. A huge recognition goes to the incredible DOC Cleaning team, whose passion and dedication continue to shine as we move forward side by side creating cleaner spaces today and a brighter, greener tomorrow.
Leadership in Action
Our Compliance Director, Vince Turner, attended the ESG Exhibition to collect the award on behalf of DOC Cleaning. Vince has been instrumental in driving forward our ESG agenda, ensuring that compliance and sustainability are embedded into our processes and decision-making. His role in representing DOC Cleaning at the event was a fitting recognition of his dedication and leadership.
In addition, Vince took part in a video interview on the day, sharing insights into our journey and the lessons we have learned along the way.
Equally central to our success is Jeff Silver, our Head of ESG, who manages our ongoing partnership with SMI. Jeff ensures that our ESG initiatives are closely aligned with the Beyond Cleaning strategy and continues to identify new opportunities where we can accelerate progress. His work ensures that sustainability is not treated as a standalone project but as something woven into the fabric of our business.
Embedding Sustainability Through Beyond Cleaning
The award directly reflects the values behind our Beyond Cleaning strategy. This framework ensures that everything we do goes further than delivering an excellent cleaning service. It is built on the belief that true impact requires thinking beyond day-to-day operations to create long-term value for people, partners, and the planet.
Turning Strategy Into Action
Through our Beyond Cleaning strategy we have committed to reducing our environmental impact, supporting our people, and working closely with partners who share our values. From uniforms and products to training and technology, every decision is guided by the principle of leaving the planet in a better position for future generations.
The adoption of SMI’s Everyday Earth collection is just one example of this strategy in action. By making more sustainable purchasing decisions, we are not only reducing our own footprint but also inspiring clients and suppliers to embrace change.
More detail can be found in our 2024 Sustainability Impact Report, which outlines additional initiatives such as sustainable uniforms, eco-friendly products, and commitments to recycling and carbon reduction.
Looking Ahead
Winning the Recognition for Sustainability Award is not just about celebrating where we are today — it is about where we are going tomorrow. The challenges of climate change, resource scarcity and social responsibility require ongoing commitment and innovation.
For our organisation, this commitment means continuing to focus on four key areas:
- Expanding the use of sustainable products and uniforms
We will broaden the adoption of environmentally responsible materials and solutions across our operations. By scaling up the use of sustainable uniforms and eco products, we can reduce our reliance on traditional, resource-heavy alternatives and drive measurable environmental benefits. - Strengthening partnerships with like-minded suppliers
Collaboration remains central to our approach. By working closely with suppliers who share our values, we ensure that every stage of our supply chain reflects the same dedication to ESG principles, innovation, and responsible growth. - Measuring and reporting on our progress transparently
Accountability is key to meaningful change. We will continue to track, measure, and openly communicate the impact of our initiatives through reports and updates, ensuring our stakeholders can see and trust the progress we are making. - Inspiring both our people and our clients to make sustainable choices
True impact goes beyond our own operations. By equipping our people with the knowledge and tools to act responsibly, and by encouraging clients to embrace sustainable alternatives, we can multiply the benefits of our actions and create a ripple effect across the industry.
We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but we know this is only the beginning. The Recognition for Sustainability Award is an encouragement to continue accelerating, exploring new opportunities, and leading by example.
Stay Connected
The Recognition for Sustainability Award serves as a reminder that collaboration creates meaningful impact. By working with SMI and other partners who share our values, we are proving that progress is possible when businesses come together with purpose.
We remain committed to creating cleaner spaces today and shaping a brighter, greener tomorrow. You can follow our ongoing ESG journey through our website and across our social media channels, where we regularly share updates, achievements, and insights into how we are bringing our Beyond Cleaning strategy to life.