Our Suppliers and Supply Chain
At Britton Scotland, we consider our suppliers to be more than just business partners. They are an extension of our commitment to quality, sustainability, and heritage. Our philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation of the Scottish natural environment.
We do not promote over consumption, products are made on-demand to minimise waste and surplus. Whenever possible, we opt for natural fibres and locally sourced materials.
We are committed to driving continuous improvement in the sustainability of our products by embracing a circular approach. By advancing our supply chain to recycled parts and bringing it as close to the UK as possible (our product range is 95% British/Scottish, our craft kits 99%), we are actively reducing our carbon emissions.
By expanding our reuse range remanufacturing materials that would otherwise end up in landfill or incineration we are aligning with our vision and mission.
Materials we are working with include PVC from offshore wind farms, life rafts, advertising banners and the development of processes for turning fire hoses into everyday products.
Our tweed is handwoven and is made from British wool fibres.
The PET in our zips is 100% recycled
plastic bottles.
The thread we sew our products together with is 100% recycled.
Process
Sustainability is at the forefront of our decision-making process, and we diligently vet each supplier to ensure they meet our exacting standards.
Since 2014, we have nurtured lasting relationships with these partners, fortifying our supply chain. Through ongoing audits and a shared vision for sustainability, we strive to maintain a supply chain that is not only robust but also ethically and environmentally sound.
We are committed to continually improving our environmental and sustainability policy to ensure that our products and practices reflect our values.
The woven branded labels are made with 100% recycled PET bottles.
Our packaging boxes are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable.
Our paper labels are made from 80% recycled coffee cups.
If you are looking for a manufacturer for tweed or tartan products, please get in touch.
Design Ethos
Rams introduced the idea of sustainable development, and of obsolescence being a crime in design, in the 1970s.
Accordingly, he asked himself the question: "Is my design a
good design?"
We ask ourselves this regularly and pride ourselves in finding the right solution when designing a new product.
Rams conclusions created the basis for his celebrated ten principles.
Accordingly, "good design" and hopefully our products hope to
achieve the following.
The possibilities for progression are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for original designs. But imaginative design always develops in tandem with improving technology, and can never be an end in itself.
A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy not only functional, but also pychological and aesthetic criteria. Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product whilst
disregarding anything that could detract from it.
The aesthetic quality of a product is
integral to its usefulness because products are used every day and have an
effect on people and their well-being. Only well-executed objects can be
beautiful.
It clarifies the product’s structure. Better still, it can make the product clearly express its
function by making use of the user's intuition. At best, it is
self-explanatory.
Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained, to leave room for the user's
self-expression.
It does not make a product appear more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.
It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today's throwaway society.
Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the consumer.
Design makes an important contribution to the reservation of the environment. It conserves
resources and minimizes physical pollution throughout the lifecycle of the product.
Less is more. Simple as possible but not simpler. Good design elevates the essential functions of a product.
