ENVIRONMENT

Since 2002 INSTYLE has integrated sustainable practices throughout all aspects of the company – from management, product design and operations.

PRODUCT

Sustainable Textiles - LIFE (Low Impact For the Environment) Textiles®

LIFE Textiles®, released in late 2004, was the first sustainable textile collection in Australia to:

• use 100% eco wool™ and certified organic wool sourced from Australia or New Zealand;
• use local manufacturers;
• have minimal impact over the entire lifecycle.

Click here for further information on LIFE Textiles®.

Environmental Information

Environmental information is included in all of INSTYLE’s product information to communicate the environmental benefits of each product. For example, a product may be produced by a manufacturer certified with an Environmental Management System (ISO 14001), a signatory to the Australian Greenhouse Challenge or the use of 100% renewable energy.

Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Environmental Information System.

Product Stewardship

INSTYLE will organise the reuse and recycling of its uncontaminated wool-rich textiles through its REVIVE®, a reuse / recycling program designed to give wool-rich textiles a second life.

Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s REVIVE® Program.

OPERATIONS

INSTYLE has introduced many practical initiatives within its operations.

Conservation Programs
Includes the reuse and recycling of paper, turning off lights and equipment when not in use and water-saving programs.

Recycling Programs
INSTYLE recycles most of its waste including paper, cardboard, plastic, food & drink containers, pallets, fabric off-cuts, toner cartridges and also composts organic food waste.

Giving Back (LIFE Support)
INSTYLE’s LIFE Support program started in 2006 with the aim to provide support to those in need.  

INSTYLE and its staff regularly raise and donate money to worthwhile charities, staff volunteer at a local Meals on Wheels and fabric remnants are regularly donated to childcare centres, schools and Reverse Garbage (a local community-run reuse centre). 

Environmental Purchasing
Includes the purchasing of 100% post-consumer recycled paper and transport plastic packaging that contains post-industrial recycled content and is also recyclable.

INSTYLE’s initiatives are outlined in its annual Sustainability Reports.
Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Sustainability Report 2007/2008.
Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Sustainability Report 2006.
Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Sustainability Report 2005.

DRIVING CHANGE

INSTYLE has taken a lead role in challenging current practices and advocating for real environmental change within the industry.

Green Star – Office Interiors
INSTYLE has advocated for improvements in the Green Star Office Interiors rating tool created by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). INSTYLE is participating in the GBCA's Industry Reference Group to redevelop the Materials category within the Green Star Office Interiors rating tool.

Click here for further information on the GBCA.

Defining Sustainability
INSTYLE’s Environmental Manager has played a key role in the development of the Sustainable Textile Standard in the U.S.A., which will become the most comprehensive environmental textile standard internationally.

The Sustainable Textile Standard addresses the entire textile life cycle including 1.Raw Materials, 2.Safety of Chemicals, 3.Energy, 4.Water, 5.Recycling and 6.Social Responsibility.

INSTYLE has decided to certify its LIFE Textiles® with the Sustainable Textile Standard once it is finalised in mid 2008.

Click here for further information on Eco Labels.

AWARDS

In recognition of their continued efforts, INSTYLE has been recognised as a Leader in Sustainability by a number of awards including:

• United Nations World Environment Day Awards (Winner);
• NSW Sustainability Green Globe Awards (Winner); and
• Banksia Environmental Awards.

Click here for further information on INSTYLE’s Awards.