ACS Clothing’s dedication and drive to tackle environmental change has today been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

A multi-agency judging panel recently selected 35 businesses from across the country to receive prestigious Good Practice Awards and praised their commitment to good environmental practice. From this prestigious list, 12 winners will be shortlisted for an Outstanding Achievement Award on Friday 17 September.

Scotland’s Climate Week 2021

The announcement has come as part of Scotland’s Climate Week 2021, which runs from 13 to 19 September. 

Climate Week aims to raise awareness, showcase climate leadership, and encourage action, building momentum ahead of the UN climate negotiations, known as COP26, coming to Glasgow in November.

In the year Glasgow hosts the COP26 climate change conference, this year’s awards also celebrate the actions and achievements of businesses towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions.

Our commitment to develop sustainable solutions and environmental practices helped us secure the prestigious award. 

Terry A’Hearn, CEO of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and head of the VIBES judging panel said: “In a few weeks time the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as global leaders gather to accelerate the actions required to address the enormous climate challenges we face.

“VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, linked to SEPA’s ambitious ‘One Planet Prosperity’ strategy, recognise Scotland’s leading businesses who show a real commitment to sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition.

“I would like to congratulate all the finalists who have shown Scotland can be at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to take on the climate emergency.”

The organisations receiving awards represent a wide range of business sizes, sectors and are from locations across Scotland.

Gillian Bruce VIBES Chair said: “Despite the very significant challenges of the past two years, the high quality of entries has been encouraging.

“It is important that we recognise those who are addressing the urgent environmental issues we face and are setting an example for others.” 

A virtual awards ceremony to congratulate the award winners will take place on Tuesday 19th October 2021 at 10.30am.

The event is backed by key economic and business development agencies and leading environmental bodies including The Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Energy Saving Trust.

The Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead, said: “Scotland has always been famous for its innovation and pioneering spirit, and businesses and private sector organisations across the country now have a real opportunity to seize the economic opportunities that our journey to a net-zero economy presents – and indeed are already doing so.

 “As we celebrate Climate Week and highlight the action being taken to tackle climate change, it is fitting that that these organisations are being recognised for the work they are doing to create more sustainable and climate-friendly business practices. My congratulations go to each of the companies highlighted today and I look forward to joining them at this year’s award ceremony”

ACS Clothing shortlisted for two awards

ACS Clothing has been nominated for awards in two categories: Outstanding Achievement and Good Practice.

Founded in 1997, ACS is now the largest fashion rental and resale fulfilment centre in the UK. Our turnkey reverse logistics solution enables brands and retailers to introduce a circular fashion model, like rental or resale, into their business model alongside the existing ecommerce model. Our mission is to provide brands and retailers with a profitable, circular fashion solution that extends the life of clothing and diverts textile waste from landfill. We are committed to continuous improvement within and striving towards net-zero emissions by 2025. 

‘We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for two Vibes Awards this year alongside other admirable organisations. We have made significant progress since we embarked on our journey towards sustainability and circularity within the fashion industry and it’s an honour to gain this recognition ahead of COP26 taking place in our hometown. We look forward to continuing our journey towards net-zero by 2025, and wish all finalists the best of luck.’ – Anthony Burns, COO at ACS Clothing. 

Vibes 2021 finalists

The full list of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards finalists shortlisted for the Outstanding Achievement Award are:

  • ACS Clothing LtdEurocentral, provided the fashion industry with a circular approach that eliminates waste and pollution whilst providing retailers with additional revenue
  • Adelphi Distillery Ltd, Glenbeg, Argyle has a low carbon approach for production of whisky including using renewable energy powered stills and a circular economy methodology for waste.
  • Brewster Brothers Ltd, Livingston, have a recycling plant that turns construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products to sell back into the construction industry.
  • European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Orkney – the world’s first facility for demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters in the sea and carry out pioneering work in the area of green hydrogen technology.
  • Glaze and Save, Perth – magnetic secondary glazing and draughtproofing specialists. Their bespoke magnetic glazing turns single glazed into double glazed windows without window replacement or redecoration, saving energy while reducing waste.
  • MacArthur GreenGlasgow is supporting projects that are beneficial to the environment, mostly in the areas of renewable energy, transmission networks, and nature conservation guidance.
  • Renewable Parts Ltd, sites in Lochgilphead and Renfrewshire – taking a circular approach to their operations and are responsible for retrofitting and repairing wind turbines throughout the UK.
  • Scottish Sea FarmsMull, have implemented a number of measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels which have reduced both carbon emissions and operating costs.
  • Tennent Caledonian, Glasgow, has invested in a sustainability programme and have significantly reduced energy and water use and their emissions.
  • The Ethical Dairy, Gatehouse of Fleet, is harnessing natural systems for ecological, sustainability and animal welfare gains.
  • The Polycrub Company, Shetland, works with the aquaculture industry to reuse and recycle waste pipeThese are incorporated into a material that can withstand winds of 120 miles an hour so is therefore suitable for growing fresh produce in otherwise hostile environments.
  • WEEE Scotland Ltd, Glasgow, recycling waste electronic and electrical equipment and machinery.

For Press Enquiries, please contact hello@acsclothing.co.uk

To view the list of businesses shortlisted for the Good Practice Award, click here.