Ethical Sourcing & Manufacturing

Beyond our New Zealand operations, we extend our commitment to social responsibility by partnering with trusted factories in Indonesia, China, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Our dedicated team regularly visits these long-term partners, not just for quality control, but to actively ensure and foster ethical manufacturing practices across our global supply chain. We stand firmly against all forms of forced or child labor. Every one of our international suppliers commits to a strict agreement covering crucial social compliance points:

• Safe and proper working environments for all employees.

• Fair wages that meet or exceed local government and regional minimum wage regulations.

• Adherence to legal minimum employment ages.

• Upholding the highest principles of ethical manufacturing and social responsibility.

These commitments are central to our mission, ensuring that every garment is produced under conditions that respect human dignity and rights.

Our Recycled Fabric Initiative

We’re proud to incorporate Recron Green Gold™ recycled polyester into our two highest-volume fabric ranges. This premium recycled yarn is made from post-consumer waste — such as discarded PET bottles — which are collected, cleaned, and melted down before being processed through the same manufacturing methods used for virgin polyester. The result is a high-quality fabric with the same performance, durability, and feel as conventional polyester — meaning your students won’t notice any difference.

By choosing recycled polyester, we’re actively reducing our reliance on virgin plastics and minimizing our environmental footprint. This initiative not only diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans but also helps conserve natural resources and lower carbon emissions.

Recron Green Gold™ meets globally recognized standards for sustainability and quality, including the Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Carbon Footprint Reduction certification (SGS Hong Kong), and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for product safety.

Using recycled polyester is a key part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and more sustainable manufacturing — helping protect the environment without compromising on quality.

Repair, Reuse & Give Back

We believe in extending the life of every garment we produce. Wherever possible, we repair faulty items to reduce waste and support a circular approach to schoolwear. For products that are obsolete, discontinued, or no longer required, we partner with Mission Without Borders — an organization dedicated to supporting orphanages, schools, and vulnerable communities in low-income countries. Through these donations, we help ensure that quality clothing finds a meaningful second life, rather than going to landfill. It’s part of our commitment to responsible manufacturing and community support, both locally and globally.

Inclusivity in School Uniforms

At Argyle Schoolwear, we believe every student deserves a uniform that fits well, feels comfortable, and supports their confidence at school — no exceptions. That’s why we’re committed to offering tailored uniform solutions for students who fall outside standard size ranges or have specific needs related to fit, mobility, or sensory sensitivities.

Our made-to-measure and special fit services are provided at no additional cost to families or schools, ensuring inclusivity doesn’t come with a price tag. Whether it’s adjusting for unique measurements, accommodating adaptive clothing requirements, or offering alternatives for comfort, our goal is to remove barriers and help every student feel at ease in their schoolwear.

We’re proud to support schools in fostering welcoming, inclusive environments where all students are equipped — and empowered — to thrive.

Our Reduced Carbon Shipping

We carefully consider the environmental impact of every stage in our supply chain — including how our products reach us. Wherever possible, we prioritize sea freight over air freight, making a conscious choice to reduce our carbon footprint.

Ocean freight is significantly more energy-efficient than air transport, producing far lower emissions per unit shipped. By favoring this method, we help reduce the environmental cost of moving goods around the world.