We believe that it’s important to keep University products and our supply chain as ethical and sustainable as possible. We aim to look at the full life-cycle of products wherever possible, considering the production and treatment of raw materials, the lives of the people who make the things that we sell, the treatment of any waste materials, the means of transportation and packaging and post-consumer re-use and disposal.
This page is in the process of being updated and further information will be added soon. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us at university-shop@admin.gla.ac.uk if you have any questions about the manufacturing of any of our products.
Clothing Suppliers
We only work with companies who have independently audited and certified standards of production. We favour a short supply chain to give us as much oversight of processes and direct accountability as possible. We prefer to work with suppliers who also supply other Universities and public bodies in the UK so that we can bring collective pressure to continue to improve environmental and social welfare standards.
Our main clothing suppliers are presently: GEM Promotional; JSW Uniwear; Okko Collective; and Campus Clothing.
Our Key Clothing Certifications
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
This is the worldwide benchmark for standards from field to factory to shop floor. It ensures strict standards are met in environmental impacts, worker welfare, pay & conditions, raw materials, garment production and packaging. It is backed by the most robust inspection and certification regime in the clothing industry.
WRAP – Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production
WRAP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing around the world through certification and education. It focuses on the apparel industry, but the majority of its board members are required to come from outside the sector. Its 12 main principles ensure compliance with local & international law and workplace regulations, prohibition of forced, trafficked and child labour, prohibition of harassment, abuse or discrimination, guarantees around worker pay, benefits, working times and rights to association and collective bargaining, and issues around health & safety, environmental protections, security and customs compliance. WRAP has a robust, independent auditing process run by international teams of industry specialists.
University Tartan
The University of Glasgow tartan is made by Lochcarron of Scotland. Based in the Scottish Borders, Lochcarron weave the cloth onsite and turn it into products including scarves, hats, ties and kilts. We have two grades of cloth, mid-weight Reiver and heavier Breierach, alongside brushed lambswool for scarves and blankets.
Lochcarron have a visitor centre which is open to the public. Tours of the mill can also be booked in advance via Lochcarron's website.
