Collaborating for good

When The Social Outfit secured their biggest commercial contract to date, they needed valuable guidance to ensure they could meet production demands, while also supporting the migrant and refugee women in their manufacturing workroom.  

To achieve this, they joined forces with Workwear Group, who offered their expertise on how they could transition to bulk production successfully. The outcome of this project was that The Social Outfit produced 2,000 scarves and pocket squares for Westpac branch staff to wear as part of their uniforms.  

By partnering with Ethical Clothing Australia accredited manufacturers, Westpac was able to ensure that every item was made ethically, upholding the rights of the workers who made them. It also meant that they could incorporate sustainability into the designs while creating garments their staff could be truly proud of. 

This collaboration earned Workwear Group the prestigious Sustainable Supplier Award at the Westpac Awards in November 2023, and is an example of how strategic procurement partnerships can turn ethical values into tangible outcomes.

Accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia in 2015, Workwear Group has been providing end-to-end uniform solutions for over 85 years. The Social Outfit is a brand and manufacturer that became accredited in 2024. They employ and train women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to kick–start their Australian careers through the business’s manufacturing studio and retail clothing store.

In 2024, these two accredited suppliers teamed up with Westpac inspiring example of how ethical procurement can contribute both to social good and commercial needs. 

Westpac was looking to procure a range of accessories for their staff uniforms that would be sustainable, high-quality and made locally, with supply chain transparency in mind.  

Representing their biggest business-to-business contract to date, the challenge for The Social Outfit was to scale up production to meet the demands of a large corporate client, while still maintaining their mission of supporting refugee and migrant women.

Workwear Group offered valuable guidance and expert advice to help The Social Outfit transition to bulk production, while not cutting any corners. 

Over several months, The Social Outfit’s team produced 2,000 scarves and pocket squares for Westpac branch staff, using fabric remnants and deadstock materials, showcasing how ethical production can also be environmentally conscious. 

In addition, this collaboration demonstrated their commitment to:  

• Driving Innovation: Workwear Group’s expertise helped The Social Outfit scale their operations to meet the demands of bulk production while maintaining ethical practices, setting the stage for future large-scale projects. 
• Protecting Workers’ Rights: The Social Outfit provided safe, meaningful employment and skills training to refugee and migrant women, allowing them to earn a fair wage while gaining valuable local work experience. 
• Supporting The Local Industry: The partnership supported Australian manufacturers, contributing to local economic growth and shorter, more transparent supply chains. 
• Sustainability Practices: This procurement contract resulted in the production of garments made from recycled PET bottles and the implementation of 100% recyclable packaging provided by Workwear Group. 

Ready to use your procurement power for good? Explore our directory of accredited ethical manufacturers and learn more about how your business can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future.