Girlguiding uniform collection gains recyclability certification

Girlguiding uniforms gain sustainable certification

Girlguiding has secured Circular Textiles Foundation (CTF) certification for 15 styles in its redesigned uniform collection, with 280,000 certified garments set to launch this summer.

The collection spans all four Girlguiding sections – Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers – as well as young leaders and adult volunteers. The redesign was shaped by feedback from almost 55,000 girls and volunteers, with sustainability identified as a key priority.

Each certified garment has been assessed against CTF’s Design for Recyclability criteria and will carry the ‘Infinitee’ mark, confirming compatibility with existing fibre-to-fibre recycling technologies at end of life.

A key change is the replacement of polyurethane (PU)-based prints with water-based alternatives across the collection. According to Girlguiding, PU prints can act as contaminants during fibre-to-fibre recycling, potentially causing garments to be rejected or downgraded.

Felicity Oswald, Girlguiding CEO, said the organisation was “really proud” to have created a uniform range that is comfortable, practical and designed with sustainability in mind.

Tim Cross, founder and CEO of the CTF, said the 280,000 garments represented circular design “at genuinely national scale”, demonstrating that recyclability can be incorporated without compromising quality or appearance.