Using recycled plastic bottles to make the Eco-fabric for the blazers is a fantastic way to demonstrate to children how products can go on to become something entirely different through the process of recycling. Students are proud to wear their uniforms. Headteacher, Newport Free Grammar School
Using recycled plastic bottles to make the Eco-fabric for the blazers is a fantastic way to demonstrate to children how products can go on to become something entirely different through the process of recycling. Students are proud to wear their uniforms.
At David Luke sustainability is not just a word, it’s a way of life. It is a philosophy that underpins our conduct as a responsible school uniform business that puts the wellness of our planet, our people and our product at the heart of our operation.
David Luke grew out of a small company that supplied childrenswear in the North West of England. A spark for inventiveness saw our founding partners David Burgess and Adrian Luke expand into the school uniform market where they have innovated some of the most iconic products our children now count as uniform essentials. From the quirky Skort to blazers made from recycled plastic bottles, we’ve found ways of making the ordinary, extraordinary throughout our 38-year history.
Over the years, our business has demonstrated a progressive and highly respected reputation for innovation in sustainability. We were the first to develop recycled polyester yarn from plastic bottles which we used to make blazers. Gradually our passion for eco-uniform grew our recycled product range to include skirts, trousers, polo shirts and sweatshirts, all made from this marvellous material. Making this switch has enabled us to prevent 34 million plastic bottles from going into landfill which we can verify through our SCS Accreditation and love to tell all our friends about.
In April 2020, our sustainability efforts were recognised at the highest level when we received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This royal seal of approval has made us very proud indeed and spurred on our passion for doing our best by the environment while remaining committed to improve the products we supply.
Our mission is not just to succeed in the school uniform market, we aim to lead it towards a more ethical future. One where materials are responsibly sourced, communities fairly treated and people care enough to make conscious decisions about how they purchase school uniform. We’re part of the Ethical Trading Initiative to make sure we do just that.
It would be a bit strange to spend all this time talking about school uniform and not mention the people who wear it. After all, school is about preparing our kids for the future. Our Eco-uniform is about making sure there is one. That’s why we partner with Eco-Schools to ensure our work in sustainability is seen by the people who matter most. We’ve even got our own gang of eco-influencers our ‘16 Under 16‘ who have given us so much inspiration and helped to bring our eco-story to life through the many amazing initiatives they’re involved with in their local community.
A lot has changed in our business over the years. But we remain a family-run company with a big heart. David’s daughter Kathryn took over the reins in 2014 marking a period of dynamic change in the way sustainability was embraced as a company-wide vision. Today we are one of the biggest school uniform brands in the UK. We are a champion of independent retail. We are a progressive employer, empowering wellness, flexibility and independent thinking in our workforce.
We are David Luke and we’re so pleased to meet you.
I didn't know you could make school uniform out of plastic bottles. That's really cool. Pupil, aged 9
I didn't know you could make school uniform out of plastic bottles. That's really cool.
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