Environmental
At Skopos we have a strong environmental ethos, all our staff are involved in the development and implementation of initiatives to reduce our impact on the planet.
Environmental Products
All our products are developed with an environmentally conscious approach - we explore the most environmentally friendly ways of meeting customer needs and expectations and seek to maintain this balance between sustainability and recyclability within our portfolio.
Sustainable and Biodegradable
Our first collection, launched over 30 years ago was a cotton print. Our heritage is grounded in printed natural textiles and we have retained this core to our business over the years. Over 50% of our collections are made from sustainable yarns, such as linen and cotton. Collections include dyed plains and printed ranges. Indeed more than 50% of our products are manufactured from sustainable and biodegradable materials.
Recyclable
Many of our products are 100% polyester, inherently FR and these are all recyclable after use. Overall 40% of our products are 100% recyclable.
Safe Chemicals
Contract quality fabrics can require more stringent and demanding specifications to fulfill the need for permanent flame retardancy, durability and vigorous aftercare. This can involve the use of chemicals during processing to ensure a durable and permanent flame retardant finish however we routinely measure the VOC emissions and fall significantly below the currently defined legal limits
We also, wherever possible: eliminate the use of chemicals. But where the construction of the fabric requires it, we ensure legal limits are adhered to. We identify on our data sheets where formaldehyde, heavy metals, bromide or AZO dyes have been used in the processing of the fabrics so that our customers can make an informed choice.
Oeko-Tex
Many of our polyester products are accredited by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class IV. This information is provided on the individual product data sheets.
Product Data Sheets
Environmental Responsibility
In June 2010, Skopos Design Limited became only the second textile manufacturer in the UK to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. This mark of excellence recognises the significant reduction in carbon emissions we have achieved and vigorous management processes employed to reduce our carbon footprint. We have reduced our carbon emissions by 24%.
Our corporate mission is to responsibly minimise the environmental impact of our manufacturing and distribution operation and to actively develop products that are kinder on the environment. This is achieved through the implementation of a robust Environmental Strategy.
Skopos has achieved recertification to the Carbon Trust Standard for another 2 year period. The certificate covers the period 01/01/2012 – 31/12/2013.
Download Environmental Strategy Summary
Skopos can provide an end to end service from design, through manufacturing of fabrics to completed installation of bespoke curtains and soft furnishings. Wherever possible work is carried out in-house, minimising the product-miles and environmental impact of sourcing different components from different suppliers.
Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing
Over the years we have analysed and modified our manufacturing facilities, resource and energy infrastructure and management/planning policies to minimise the impact we have on the local and global environments.
We believe it is all about the detail of "what you do" that matters - here is a list of our achievements to date:
- Reduced water consumption by 40% by recycling and installing meters to encourage better management
- Reduced our waste water by modifying chemicals used in dyeing fabrics
- Reduced our energy usage by 58% over the last 3 years by modifying machine efficiencies, insulation initiatives and improving staff awareness
- Reduced our VOC emissions despite being well under the defined limits
- Recycled 85% of ALL waste from the site - this is separated into waste streams for reuse.
