Our Social Journey

Our Commitment to Change

Different businesses are approaching sustainability in different ways. At Richard Haworth we want to be recognised as a business that is Impact Conscious, but what does that mean?

At Richard Haworth our decisions are driven not only by thinking about the impact we have on the world around us, but more importantly we will positively ACT on that knowledge. Meaning people, planet and profit will drive our business forward in unison.

Our external partners and accreditations demonstrating our commitment to act

Carbon Reduction Programme

Richard Haworth is committed to achieving zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2035. We are working with our supply chain partners to gather data to help us calculate a scope 3 baseline figure and set more detailed scope 3 reduction targets. We have currently committed to scope 3 net zero by 2050, aligned to the Paris Agreement.

Steps we have already taken to reduce our carbon footprint include:

100% renewable energy for electricity usage in the UK since October 2020.
99% of all goods arrive in the UK by sea freight (as opposed to air freight).
Consolidated delivery networks across the UK to reduce transit emissions.
Moved all B2C customer deliveries to electric vans (achieved in all but the most remote locations in the UK).
Moved all goods by rail from sea ports to warehouse (a 76% reduction in transit emissions compared to diesel vans).
Switched all bath linen products to compressed cardboard cartons (a 25% reduction in shipping container space).

Influencing Our Value Chain

Richard Haworth are proud members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a not for profit organisation that aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity.

The BCI works with a range of organisations across the world and together we are all committed to improve cotton farming globally. The Better Cotton Initiative trains farmers to use water efficiently, care for the health of the soil and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and respect the rights and wellbeing of workers. By choosing cotton products from Richard Haworth, you’re supporting responsible cotton production through the BCI. Read more.....

Preferred Partner Programme

The Richard Haworth Partner Programme is our commitment to delivering high-quality products through a supply chain built on certified standards, environmental accountability, and ethical integrity. Every supplier is rigorously assessed for product consistency, sustainability credentials, and fair labour practices, ensuring that our customers receive linens that reflect the very best in professional manufacturing and responsible sourcing.

Whether you're a boutique hotel or a large hospitality group, choosing Richard Haworth means choosing long-lasting quality, transparent supply chains, and alignment with modern sustainability expectations. Our programme allows you to meet your procurement goals with confidence—knowing that every product supports both operational excellence and ethical values. Read more......

Responsible Supply Chain

Promoting working conditions around the world is extremely important to everyone at Richard Haworth. As such we are member of SEDEX.

SEDEX provides one of the world’s leading online platforms for companies to manage and improve working conditions in global supply chains. It provides practical tools, services and a community network to help companies improve their responsible and sustainable business practices, and source responsibly.

Recognised in the Top 15% Globally: EcoVadis Silver Status

Richard Haworth Ltd is proud to have achieved the EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing us in the top 15% of companies assessed globally for sustainability performance. This recognition reflects the strength and consistency of our environmental, social and ethical standards across the business.

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluating organisations against four key pillars: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Read more..

Global Organic Textile Standard

Richard Haworth is proud to announce that it is now certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency. This internationally recognised certification ensures that certified textile products are made from organic fibres and produced under strict environmental and social criteria. The GOTS-certified range supports customers in meeting their own sustainability goals while maintaining the high standards expected in the hospitality sector. Read more..

Global Recycled Standard

As part of our long-standing commitment to responsible sourcing and manufacturing, Richard Haworth holds Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification across selected product lines. This internationally recognised standard verifies the use of recycled materials and ensures they are produced under strict environmental and social criteria. For our hospitality customers, it means confidence in choosing textiles that align with their sustainability goals—without compromising on quality or performance. Read more..

Global Recycled Standard Powering Heritage with the Sun

In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a responsibility, Ruia Group is proud to unveil its latest step toward a greener future—an ambitious solar energy installation at our historic Kearsley Mill in Stoneclough, Manchester. This Victorian-era mill, with its rich industrial past, now steps confidently into the future with the addition of a 620-panel, 269.7kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

This transformative project is not just about reducing emissions; it’s a bold statement of our long-term environmental commitment, technical excellence, and forward-thinking ethos. Read more..