High visibility workwear manufacturer Leo Workwear has been named winner of the Green Manufacturer Award at the Green Awards UK 2026.

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The award was presented at the Green Awards UK ceremony at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on 25 September 2026, where Leo was shortlisted alongside ABP Langport, CPL Aromas and St Austell Brewery.

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The judges praised Leo’s broad approach to sustainability, saying:

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“This entrant demonstrated a comprehensive approach to sustainable manufacturing, connecting product design, materials, supply chain management, circularity, and operational performance. The transition of its entire range to EcoViz, elimination of PFAS, independently assessed carbon savings, and full lifecycle assessment demonstrate meaningful progress. Its strong community impact and clear plans for further improvement also show that sustainability is deeply embedded across the business.”

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Leo’s sustainability journey began in 2019 with the launch of its EcoViz® range, using recycled polyester as an alternative to conventional virgin-sourced fabrics.

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What started with a small number of garments developed into a much wider commitment. By 2024, Leo had transitioned its entire product range to EcoViz and other more responsibly sourced materials.

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Since then, the business has continued to focus on measuring and reducing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

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Leo now reports almost 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e avoided through its move away from virgin polyester and has introduced detailed Lifecycle Assessments across the majority of its product range. It has also removed PFAS from the durable water-repellent finishes used on garments requiring DWR treatment and introduced Digital Product Passports to improve access to product, sustainability and traceability information.

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For Leo, the award represents recognition not simply of individual sustainability projects, but of the role the business has played in helping move the high visibility workwear industry forward.

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Peter Turner, Founder and Managing Director at Leo Workwear, said:

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“We’re not a company that tends to chase awards, so this one genuinely meant something to us. We knew we were shortlisted alongside some very strong manufacturers, and we certainly didn’t go into the day expecting to win.”

“What makes us particularly proud is what the judges chose to recognise. This wasn’t about one new product or one initiative; they recognised the way sustainability has become embedded across the whole business.”

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“Back in 2019 we made a deliberate decision to challenge the way high visibility workwear was being made. Since then, we’ve transitioned our entire range, invested heavily in measuring the real impact of our products and tried to be increasingly transparent about both what we have achieved and what still needs to improve.”

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Peter added:

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“There is still plenty more to do, but receiving the Green Manufacturer Award feels like important independent recognition that we have been helping to lead positive change within our industry.”

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Leo Workwear is based in Barnstaple, North Devon, and has specialised in the design and manufacture of high visibility clothing since 1981.