What the Sourcing Team Project Is All About
The Sourcing Team is on a mission to source ethical and sustainable products across the UK, Europe, and Asia. They’re not just ticking boxes—they push boundaries, constantly searching out and pioneering new processes, materials, and end-of-life solutions. Working alongside some of the UK’s leading charities and commercial organisations, they blend creativity, innovation, and purchasing prowess to deliver everything from off-the-shelf items to fabulously creative, made-to-order products that truly bring brands to life.
The Main Benefit: Driving Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for the Sourcing Team—it’s their whole ethos. They’re about being part of change, driving better behaviours that improve lives, reduce environmental impact, and protect our world. Here are some key facts that highlight their impact:
- B Corp score of 87.4, reflecting high standards in social and environmental performance
- Partnerships with top UK charities and commercial organisations
- Use of natural, certified organic cotton and bamboo in clothing
- Incorporation of recycled PET from bottles and ocean waste
- Minimisation of unnecessary packaging with recyclable or compostable materials
- Strict adherence to workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working environments
- Recognition as SME of the Year by EcoVadis, a leading sustainability ratings agency
Innovating with Materials and Manufacturing
The Sourcing Team is always on the lookout for exciting developments in materials. Think natural fibres like organic cotton and bamboo, long-lasting metals such as steel and aluminium, and innovative bio plastics made from wheat chaff waste. They’re making these materials cost-effective and viable for large-scale production. Plus, they’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint by sourcing locally where possible and reusing waste from production. It’s all about creating products that don’t just look good but do good, too.
Ethical Sourcing: More Than Just a Checklist
Ethical sourcing here means responsible and sustainable methods from start to finish. Over the last decade, the Sourcing Team has worked hard to develop better ethical practices and transform their operations. They stay ahead of the curve, constantly evolving and integrating the latest thinking into their business. Their eyes are wide open—they ask all the right questions of their supply chain and share insights to help suppliers build the highest standards in their factories. This ensures human rights are respected, workers earn fair wages, and working environments are safe.
Transparency and Trust in the Supply Chain
Transparency is key for the Sourcing Team’s clients, who want to make sure ethical sourcing is more than just talk. It’s about real measures for evaluating and tracking continuous improvement. This transparency supports and protects brands from risk, safeguarding their reputations. Many promotional products come from factories worldwide, some in regions with fewer worker protections. As members of SEDEX, the Sourcing Team manages due diligence on suppliers and factories, conducting audits and ongoing reviews that go beyond best practice to improve workers’ lives and safety.
Project Impact: Supporting Global Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting fair wages and safe working conditions
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – innovating sustainable materials and reducing waste
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing carbon footprint through local sourcing and eco-friendly production
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with charities, commercial organisations, and supply chains
Consulting and Navigating Best Practices
Beyond sourcing and producing sustainable products, the Sourcing Team offers consulting services to help organisations navigate the rapidly changing landscape of best practice and legislation. With an absolute focus on people and planet, they find innovative ways to design, source, and produce fabulous product ranges. This guidance ensures clients stay ahead in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and compliance—making a real difference in the world of promotional merchandise, corporate stores, employee onboarding, and bespoke premiums.
