We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted as a finalist at the 2026 edie Awards in the Supply Chain Sustainability Project of the Year category. The edie Awards are widely recognised across the UK as one of the most respected programmes celebrating leadership, innovation and real progress in sustainability.
This shortlisting recognises the impact of our collaboration with SMI and the progress achieved through our Beyond Cleaning sustainability strategy. It reflects a shared commitment to responsible sourcing, practical climate action and meaningful engagement across the supply chain.
Importantly, it also recognises an approach rooted in people, transparency and long term partnerships, demonstrating how collaborative working can deliver measurable environmental outcomes while supporting operational excellence.
A collaborative approach to sustainable supply chains
Our partnership with SMI was established to reduce environmental impact across our supply chain while maintaining high standards of quality, comfort and safety for our teams.
Together, we transitioned our entire workwear range to more environmentally responsible alternatives. This included the creation of a bespoke product catalogue, the reduction of unnecessary SKUs and clearer sustainability indicators to support informed procurement decisions across all sites.
This work builds on our wider commitment to responsible sourcing, as outlined in our recent article on how DOC delivers real progress in responsible sourcing.
Engaging people and suppliers
Colleague engagement was central to the success of the project. Workwear trials and direct feedback sessions ensured the products met real operational needs and supported comfort and inclusivity.
In October 2025, SMI’s Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement, Elizabeth Mellor, and Account Manager, Graham O’Connor, attended the supplier showcase event at our Beyond Cleaning Awards, allowing teams to engage directly with the supply chain. This session, among others, supported education, transparency and shared accountability while strengthening relationships across the partnership.
By involving people at every stage, sustainability became part of everyday decision making rather than a standalone initiative.
Delivering measurable environmental impact
The collaboration has already delivered tangible results. More than 63kg of textiles have been recycled, preventing over 180kg of CO₂e from entering landfill.
Alongside the environmental benefits, the streamlined workwear range has improved procurement efficiency and increased transparency across the supply chain. This ensures sustainability considerations remain visible at every purchasing point and are embedded into day to day decision making.
These outcomes directly support the ambitions of our Beyond Cleaning sustainability strategy, reinforcing our commitment to climate action, responsible procurement and long term positive impact across our supply chain.
Looking ahead
Being shortlisted at the 2026 edie Awards is a proud milestone and a strong endorsement of what collaborative supply chain sustainability can achieve.
We look forward to celebrating with fellow finalists at the ceremony in March, which will be held at the InterContinental London at The O2.
To find out more about the awards, visit the official edie Awards website